Poland – Crossing Back Surveys with Ukrainian Nationals (July - September 2023)

Since 24 February 2022, refugees from Ukraine and Third Country Nationals (TCNs) have been fleeing to neighboring 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 03 July and 30 September 2023 at the train and bus stations in Przemysl, one of the primary border crossing points between Ukraine and Poland.

Key findings:

• Demographics: 37% of respondents were traveling with at least one child in their group, while 3 per cent had at least one child and at least one elderly person in their household
• Top 3 countries of stay abroad: Poland (46%), Germany (14%), Czechia (11%)
• Top oblasts of origin: Kyiv city (22%), Dnipropetrovska (16%), Zaporizka (14%) Kharkivska (11%).
• Intended destination: 90% of respondents were planning to return to their oblast of origin. Nine per cent of those, who intended on returning to another oblast, were mainly from Donetska and Zaporizka oblasts, as well as Kyiv city
• Intentions  upon  crossing  back: long-term  stay​ (41%), short-term visit (47%), 12% were not sure
• Top needs at the time of interview:* personal safety (53%), financial support (48%), health services (38%), and medication (28%). 42% of respondents did not report any needs
• Top areas of assistance received:* financial support (91%), accommodation assistance (43%), food (34%), WASH (Water, sanitation and hygiene) items (21%), clothes (18%) and transportation support (15%)

*more than one answer possible