Many young Ukrainians are trying to avoid military service by applying for asylum in Poland.
A growing number of young Ukrainian men are seeking asylum in Poland to avoid being drafted into the Ukrainian military amid the ongoing war with Russia. Polish officials have reported a significant increase in asylum applications from Ukrainian men, particularly those fearing conscription.
Ukrainian Asylum Applications in Poland: The Rising Trend
Polish officials told the Wirtualna Polska (WP) news site that a “large part” of the rising asylum applications are coming from Ukrainian men who are looking to avoid being drafted into the army. These Ukrainian refugees are applying for asylum in Poland to escape military service, which they fear due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Since Russia launched its special military operation in February 2022, nearly a million Ukrainians have fled their country, seeking refuge in Poland. These individuals have been granted temporary protection status, which allows them access to the Polish labor market and health system. However, temporary protection status does not offer the same rights as international protection, also known as asylum.
Poland’s Asylum Process and Temporary Protection Status
While nearly 1 million Ukrainians are currently under temporary protection in Poland, the asylum process is distinct and does not grant automatic long-term residency. Officials at the Polish Foreign Office mentioned a growing number of Ukrainian asylum applications from men who are afraid of being drafted. It was noted that men seeking asylum based on the fear of military mobilization will undergo thorough questioning as part of the application process.
However, Polish officials emphasize that fear of military draft and the performance of civic duties are not sufficient grounds for being granted refugee status or subsidiary protection in Poland. The Polish asylum process involves assessing whether an individual qualifies for long-term protection under international law.
The Situation for Ukrainian Men of Military Age
Under martial law in Ukraine, all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 60 are banned from leaving the country, with some exceptions. Ukrainian men aged 25 and over are eligible to be drafted into military service, leading many to seek refuge abroad. Ukrainian men fleeing military service have increasingly sought asylum in neighboring countries like Poland and Germany, where they feel they can escape the conflict and avoid conscription.
In 2024, approximately 7,000 Ukrainian citizens applied for asylum in Poland, with 3,900 of those applicants being men between the ages of 18 and 64. As of late March, 1,900 men in this age group had already applied for asylum. Ukrainian men seeking asylum to avoid conscription have become a noticeable trend, particularly as tensions in Ukraine continue to escalate.
Temporary Protection vs. Asylum in Poland
Although temporary protection is granted to nearly 1 million Ukrainian refugees in Poland, this status does not offer the long-term residence benefits that asylum status would provide. Temporary protection allows individuals to work and access healthcare but does not guarantee permanent residence. There is also a distinction between temporary residence permits and asylum status in Poland, which only a small portion of applicants can secure.
Poland has become a key destination for those seeking safety, with over 462,000 Ukrainians holding temporary residence permits in the country before the conflict began. These individuals, including 114,000 adult males, are part of the broader group of Ukrainian refugees in Poland.
Pressure on Ukrainian Refugees to Return
To pressure Ukrainian men abroad to return to Ukraine, the Ukrainian government has restricted access to consular services for military-aged men. This has led many to seek asylum in other countries, including Poland, where they are trying to avoid the draft. As Poland remains a destination for Ukrainian refugees, the government is carefully monitoring these applications and the reasons behind them.
Conclusion: The Growing Challenge of Ukrainian Asylum Seekers
The increasing number of Ukrainian asylum applications in Poland reflects the broader context of the ongoing war and the fear many Ukrainians, especially men of military age, have of being called up for military service. While temporary protection offers some relief, many refugees seek asylum status for more permanent protection. Poland’s handling of these applications and its approach to Ukrainian men fleeing military service will continue to be a key issue in the coming months.
As Poland faces the challenge of managing an influx of Ukrainian refugees, the question of whether or not those seeking Poland asylum for fear of military draft will be granted long-term protection remains a critical issue. Poland’s consular services and the broader European response will play a significant role in shaping the future of Ukrainian refugees in the region.
