In the capital of Poland city Warsaw, in the thousands of Wait for the Ukrainian refugees in Long lines on Saturday to secure identity cards that offer them chance to start new They live after fleeing their war-torn country, even if only temporarily.
Refugees began queuing at Warsaw National Stadium overnight to obtain their coveted PESEL ID cards That will allow them to work liveGo to school and get medical care or social benefits for The next 18 months. However, by mid-morning, many were asked to attend back Another day, and demand It was very high even though the Polish authorities had simplified the operation.
“I am so surprised with polishing people Because they were so kind.” one woman standing in Line. “we new we are here just Looking and trying to adapt to new life.”
Poland has taken so far in more More than two million refugees from Ukraine – the largest part of more from 3.3 million people that the United Nations says They have fled since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. favorable of in thousands more Owns also It flowed into Hungary, Slovakia, Moldova and Romania.
Most of The refugees fleeing from Ukraine women And the childrenbecause men People between the ages of 18 and 60 are prohibited from leaving and staying in the country fight.
Polish authorities said more More than 123,000 refugees have received identification numbers – including more From 1000 every day in Warsaw – Since program It was launched Wednesday.
Svetlana, a Ukrainian woman from Ivano-Frankivsk who live and work in Poland for over 10 years old, he had relatives who are now also coming to Poland. She said receiving Polish ID numbers would make a big difference for Everyone from Ukraine.
“This is really very important us We can look at it officially for worksend children to school and be active Svetlana said. “It’s really changes The way We feel here.”
Refugees can get it one- the benefit of time of 300 zlotys ($70) per person and monthly allowance for Every child under the age of 18 of 500 zlotys ($117). those who To find jobs you will have to pay taxes on they earnings just like pillars.
Pavlo Masichko, 17-year- From Novovolinsk in Volyn region of Western Ukraine, he was trying rebuild his life in southeast Poland city of Rzeszow. Before the war, it was Masechko plans To come to Poland to study when he finished high school, but he says forced out of His country at war is something completely different.
“Leaving your country is very stressful in this moment like Masichko said, who she has joined local school in Poland since his arrival. Now, the Ukrainian teacher Masyeshko seeks to organize the classes online which was suspended when Russia attacked.
“When the situation started, it was very difficult for me to focus on Other things. But time has passed and now it is more stable and stable in Mine head also said “I started focusing again on Other things in my life.”
many of Since then, refugees have moved from Ukraine on etc countries in Europe, mostly to stay with friends and family. However, some have chosen to go back home So in the end of The conflict is nowhere in Scene.
Among them were 41-year- old Victoria, who He was waiting for Saturday with her adolescence daughter Alyssa board Train back jitomir in Central Ukraine.
“in order to last “It has been quiet for five days,” Victoria said. “Our local authorities as well. good. Prepare everything for us there so we can go back to worknormal life and children may own online education.”
Alyssa said she is not afraid to come back and wants to be reunited with the rest of The family who still in Ukraine.
“My relatives are there,” she said.
