Poland — Crossing Back Surveys with Ukrainian Nationals (April - June 2023)

Since 24 February 2022, refugees from Ukraine and Third Country Nationals (TCNs) have been fleeing to neighbouring countries as a result of the war. As of June 2023, more than twelve million refugees from Ukraine were recorded at various border crossings entering Poland and ten million had crossed back since February 2022. This report is based on surveys collected in Poland between 01 April and 30 June 2023 at the train and bus stations in Przemysl, one of the primary border crossing points between Ukraine and Poland.

Key Findings:

• Demographics: 59% of respondents were traveling with at least one child in their group. Among male returnees (5%), 70% were over the age of 60 years.

• Top 3 countries of stay abroad: Poland (49%), Germany (25%),Czechia (17%).

• Top oblasts of origin: Dnipropetrovska (19%), Kharkivska (16%), Kyiv city (16%).

• Intended destination: 93% of respondents were planning to return to their oblast of origin. Seven per cent of those, who intended on returning to another oblast, were mainly from Donetska, Kharkivska, Zaporizka, Khersonska and Dnipropetrovska oblasts.

• Intentions upon crossing back: long-term stay (50%),short-term visit (40%), 10% were not sure.

• Top needs at the time of interview:* health services (10%), financial support (9%), medicine (8%), food (6%) and personal safety (5%). 34% of respondents did not report any needs.

• Top areas of assistance received:* financial support (32%), food assistance (22%), accommodation assistance (17%), WASH (Water, sanitation and hygiene) items (12%), clothes (7%) and transportation support (5%).

* more than one answer possible