Poland's government has officially advised its citizens living in the United Kingdom to maximize their British benefits, including applying for Jobseeker's Allowance, before returning home. The guidance, published on the Polish government website Powroty, has provoked strong criticism from UK politicians who argue it exposes flaws in the post-Brexit welfare system.
Government Guidance Encourages Benefit Claims
The Polish government's Powroty website explicitly states: "The UK unemployment benefit is higher than the equivalent benefit paid in Poland. It's important to apply for it before leaving. Once you return to Poland, you won't be able to start the benefits process." This advice targets Polish nationals who have settled status in the UK, allowing them to claim benefits for up to three months after moving to an EU country under Brexit transition arrangements.
Since the 2016 Brexit referendum, thousands of Polish nationals have left the UK, with Warsaw now actively encouraging returns to benefit from Poland's economic growth. The Polish government cites "attractive job opportunities," "uninterrupted and dynamic economic growth over the past 28 years," and "a high level of public safety" as reasons for citizens to come home.
UK Officials React with Outrage
A UK Government spokesman criticized the Polish advice, stating that Brexit welfare rules "should not be seen as a mechanism to maximise claims on British taxpayers." Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately condemned the situation, saying: "Britain has become world-renowned for our soft-touch benefits handouts. When other nations are advising their own citizens on how to game benefits in the UK, it is clear how desperately broken our system has become. We have become a laughing stock."
Whately vowed that her party would end the system allowing foreigners to claim UK benefits after leaving the country. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over post-Brexit welfare arrangements and the UK's benefits system.
