Dear Sector Lead colleagues,

As we continue to observe a high-level of vulnerabilities in urban areas and among new arrivals, protection partners were encouraged to refer individuals at heightened risks to UNHCR cash program for assistance. We would like to extend this invitation to all partners across sectors. Currently, the enrolment for this program is only available in Warsaw but it will soon be rolled out in other cities.

In this regard, you may wish to share the following information with the members of your sector:

Brief overview

UNHCR is providing transitional cash assistance and other protection services to refugees and other vulnerable households over the next 6 months. Assistance is one time per month, for a minimum of 3 months. The programme is separate from cash assistance provided by the Polish government. Right now, there is only one enrolment point, based in Warsaw. Other enrolment points will open in other cities across Poland.

Eligibility

Refugees and their families are eligible if they are:

• Ukrainian nationals who fled Ukraine and entered Poland on or after 24 February 2022. Only one member of the family needs to have fled on or after 24 February 2022.
• Vulnerable third-country nationals who fled Ukraine before on or after 24 February 2022 including:

o             Nationals of other countries who were registered as asylum-seekers or refugees in Ukraine and entered Poland on or after 24 February 2022

o             Nationals of other countries who fled Ukraine on or after 24 February 2022 and who sought international protection with Polish authorities

o             Stateless persons whose habitual place of residence was Ukraine and entered Poland on or after 24 February 2022 and registered with the Polish authorities

The following groups are NOT eligible: Polish nationals, unaccompanied minors below age 15 years old, and people who refuse to share basic biodata, photo, and fingerprints.

Interim referral procedure  

This is the interim procedure for referrals to the UNHCR cash program in Warsaw – a new procedure will be shared soon:

Partners should share the following minimum information using the attached form:

• Family size
• Mobile phone number of head of household

Once UNHCR receives the referral, the individual/family will be contacted for an appointment.

ALL REFERRALS SHOULD BE SENT TO alabartc@unhcr.org

Please share this message with partners as appropriate.  Should you have any questions, you can contact Eleftherios Konstantopoulos konstant@unhcr.org