Ukrainian refugees lifted Poland’s GDP by 2.7% in 2024, said the UN refugee agency in a new report showing their growing role in the country’s economy.

The study by consultancy Deloitte for UNHCR found that nearly 70% of working-age Ukrainians in Poland now have jobs, just shy of the 75% employment rate among locals. Far from pushing Poles out of work, refugees have helped raise overall employment, boosted productivity and increased consumer demand.

“Anyone who thinks refugees are a burden on the economy should think again. By allowing Ukrainian refugees to work and open small businesses right away – after they were forced to flee Russian aggression – Poland has boosted its GDP by, remarkably, 2.7% in 2024,” said Kevin J. Allen, the UNHCR Representative in Poland.

The 2.7% figure is worth an estimated €16bn, based on the value of the Polish economy, which was some €590bn in 2024.

“This is impressive and shows clearly that sound humanitarian and economic policies are not mutually exclusive. In fact, Poland has turned the refugee influx into a driver of economic strength while investing in human capital that will one day help rebuild Ukraine,” Allen said.

Economist Aleksander Łaszek of Deloitte said the evidence shows both workers and businesses are benefitting. “In general, employment has increased, and with better specialisation, so has productivity,” Łaszek said.

The report warns, however, that refugee talent is still underused. Many work far below their qualifications. Just one-third of Ukrainian university graduates are in roles that require a degree. In some regulated sectors, citizenship is still a barrier despite the right training or credentials.

Language skills also have a clear impact: those fluent in Polish earn PLN700 (€165) more per month than those with beginner-level knowledge. Removing even half the obstacles to full labour market participation could deliver annual gains of at least PLN6bn, the report estimates.

Poland hosts nearly 1mn refugees from Ukraine – second only to Germany in the EU. Most are women and children. While many have integrated swiftly, the report stresses the need for targeted support for vulnerable groups and long-term inclusion strategies.

Deloitte’s model includes the total public revenue generated by refugee activity – covering income tax, VAT, excise, health and social contributions and business taxes driven by increased spending and employment.