The Polish government has advised its citizens residing in the United Kingdom to claim British unemployment benefits, specifically Jobseeker's Allowance, before returning to Poland. The guidance, published on the website Powroty, which assists individuals planning to return from abroad, suggests that UK benefits are higher than those offered in Poland and emphasizes the importance of applying before departure, as the process cannot be initiated from Poland.
This advice comes as Poland experiences economic growth and sees a rise in its citizens returning home, while simultaneously, a growing number of Britons are moving to Poland. Data indicates a significant increase in Britons emigrating to Poland between 2015 and 2024. Conversely, the number of Poles moving to the UK has declined since Brexit.
Post-Brexit regulations allow EU citizens with settled status obtained before December 2020 to claim benefit payments in an EU country for up to three months after moving. The guidance on Powroty reportedly provides instructions on how to apply for and transfer these benefits.
UK officials have criticized the welfare system, with Helen Whately, the shadow work and pensions secretary, describing it as a "laughing stock" and a "soft-touch benefits handout." She argued that other nations advising their citizens on how to access UK benefits highlights the perceived failures of the system.
A spokesperson for the Polish government stated that decisions to migrate back to Poland are primarily based on factors such as attractive job opportunities, the country's consistent economic growth over the past 28 years, proximity to family and friends, and public safety, rather than solely on benefit entitlements. They also noted that the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement is a reciprocal arrangement and not designed to maximize claims on UK taxpayers. The spokesman added that only a small number of individuals living outside the UK were claiming Job Seeker's Allowance.
Poland's economy is projected to grow by 3.5 percent this year, contrasting with the UK's 1.3 percent growth. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk previously expressed optimism about Poles becoming wealthier than Britons by 2030, attributing this to Poland's EU membership.