<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>Poland plans to charge Ukrainian refugees for food and housing after four months of staying in state accommodation, the government said on Tuesday.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>More than a million Ukrainian refugees made a temporary home in Poland, Ukraine’s western neighbour, after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb 24, relying on the kindness of strangers who opened up their homes and government aid.</div><div><br></div><div>However, after an initial outpouring of public support for refugees, resources are drying up and refugees are having a harder time finding flats and getting support with Poland facing a cost-of-living crisis and budget strains.</div><div><br></div><div>“Citizens of Ukraine who stay in Poland in collective accommodation centres will participate in the costs of housing and meals,” the government said in a statement.</div><div><br></div><div>Those staying in such accommodations, for example government-funded hotel rooms or school dormitories, longer than 120 days will have to cover 50% of the cost up to 40 zlotys (US$8.87) per day, per person.</div><div><br></div><div>After 180 days, it will be 75% of the cost, up to 60 zlotys. Those unable to work because of their age or disability will be excluded, as will pregnant women, according to the plan.</div><div><br></div><div>The government wants the new rules to apply from March 1, 2023.</div><div><br></div><div>The bill will go to parliament where it is expected to pass comfortably. - Reuters&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>