KIEV: The Ukrainian parliament has formulated a draft law to grant special status to Polish citizens in Ukraine, a parliament member said.
In the 450-seat Ukrainian parliament, 283 members voted in favour of the presidential request to offer Polish nationals special status in Ukraine, as per a Telegram message posted by Yaroslav Zheleznyak on July 28.
According to Zheleznyak, the new legislation passed on Thursday enables Poles to lawfully remain in Ukraine for 18 months following the law's adoption. As per regulations, Poles have the same rights as Ukrainians when it comes to employment, economic pursuits, access to healthcare, and education in Ukraine.
This will entitle Poles to employment without the need for a special permit, social protection, education on par with Ukrainians, social benefits, medical care, etc.
As a "show of appreciation to the Polish people for their solidarity and support for Ukraine," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented the draught law establishing legal and social safeguards for Polish nationals in Ukraine to the parliament earlier on July 11.
Zelensky also signed a decree conferring the honorific title of "City-Savior" on the Polish city of Przemyl. On July 19, the Rada adopted the draft law on special guarantees for Polish citizens in Ukraine in the first reading.
