As Russia’s comprehensive assault on Ukraine continues into its fourth year, Kyiv is reconsidering its approach to maintaining strong connections with those who have been compelled to leave Ukraine and settle elsewhere. The focus is also on finding ways to encourage these individuals to return home.
Some 4.8 million Ukrainians have been granted temporary protection in Europe since Russia went on its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Originally intended as a three-year safeguard measure, this provision has now been prolonged to last for an additional two years, making it effective until March 2027.
Oleksiy Chernyshov, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister heading the recently established ministry of national unity, notes that the longer individuals reside overseas, the more challenging it becomes to encourage their return to their homeland.
Chernyshov has been assigned the responsibility of keeping strong connections with Ukrainian expatriates and encouraging them to come back to their homeland, since they are gradually establishing themselves overseas.
“The longer the war continues — the more integrated Ukrainians become in other countries,” he told Euronews.
“That’s precisely why, even amid the conflict, we wish to maintain connections with Ukrainians. We aim to convey this message and clarify that each individual holds equal importance for Ukraine. Whether through tangible support or heartfelt contributions, we value everything you can offer,” Chernyshov stated.
“You ought to become an integral part of Ukrainian life. Keep Ukraine in mind regardless of whether you are contemplating returning or have no intention of coming back. The crucial point is maintaining your Ukrainian identity and supporting the Ukrainian cause,” he emphasized, speaking to his fellow citizens.
Kyiv now aims to reconstruct its approach through what are known as “Unity Hubs,” which have been established overseas. These versatile centers will offer an array of services for Ukrainian individuals who have been displaced or relocated, encompassing legal assistance, mental health support, education opportunities, cultural activities, and resources aimed at helping them integrate smoothly into the European Union.
Nevertheless, they will motivate them to willingly go back to Ukraine when peaceful conditions allow for it.
The European Commission backed the proposal when it revealed the expansion of the provisional protection program.
Chernyshov stated that this provides “over 20 months of clear planning opportunities for Ukrainians within the European Union to organize their lives.” Concurrently, Kyiv anticipates that the “Unity Hubs” program will assist individuals in preparing for their eventual return to Ukraine.
Chernyshov acknowledged that this situation largely depended on the ongoing conflict. He emphasized again that the Ukrainians weren’t migrating seeking a better life; they were fleeing from the war, and their motivation should always be kept in mind.
Ukrainian Refugees and the European Union’s Job Market
In the meantime, Ukrainians in Europe have proven to be “a significant boon to the labor market,” according to Ukraine’s vice-prime minister.
Chernyshov elaborated, “They are professionals who work diligently, possess intelligence, and have received an education; clearly, labor markets will vie for their talents.”
No official statistics track the number of Ukrainian refugees employed across Europe, as conditions differ significantly between countries.
The combined study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the European Migration Network in May 2024 revealed that individuals under temporary protection experienced faster integration into the job market compared to other refugees.
In early 2023, the percentage of employed individuals within the working-age BoTP had surpassed 40% in several European Union nations such as Estonia, Lithuania, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
Higher employment rates were observed in Poland, surpassing 60%, whereas the figures were below average in Germany at 18% and in Switzerland at 14%.
Following the initial large-scale movements in 2022, many EU nations observed a decline in registration figures. Nonetheless, the count of BoTP individuals entering employment kept rising, indicating a heightened shift towards job placement.
After gaining professional experience overseas, Kyiv anticipates that Ukrainians will apply this knowledge back in their homeland. Chernyshov mentioned that economic growth and the execution of reforms will help facilitate the return of individuals once the conflict has ended.
“Once Ukraine reconstructs and advances its economy, European nations will be drawn towards the rebuilding process. When these countries arrive, whom do you think they’ll bring along? Primarily, they will likely focus on Ukrainians who have successfully established themselves within Europe, and it’s very probable that they would extend job offers to these individuals back in their home country,” he emphasized.
Nevertheless, even though economic growth and continued development are clearly essential, enduring peace stands as the key prerequisite for the population’s return, as well as for Ukraine’s economic progress and wellbeing.
We can’t make people return.
Brussels stated that the European Commission plans to designate a specific representative for Ukrainians within the EU.
This will assist in offering improved guidance to Ukrainians regarding shifting to an alternative legal status beyond temporary protection, as well as facilitate a phased comeback and reintroduction into Ukraine.
Chernyshov states that numerous Ukrainians wish to go back home, and they have shown this willingness.
Following the Ukrainian forces driving Russian soldiers out of the Kyiv area, numerous people hurried back home as quickly as possible.
“In March 2022 a lot of people returned to Kyiv and other cities, and it actually gives a great example,” Chernyshov said, adding that many regularly go to Ukraine to visit their families and friends while temporarily being based abroad.
In a groundbreaking move, Kyiv set up the Ministry of National Unity with the aim of encouraging people to return permanently and settle down someday. The country is also taking steps towards permitting dual and multiple citizenship.
However, Kyiv will neither be able nor willing to compel individuals to return, according to Chernyshov. “Forcing anyone to come back is out of the question,” he stated.
“The sole incentive to return to Ukraine is a prosperous country and your affection for your home nation. Only these two elements encourage Ukrainians to reconsider their decisions and think about coming back. There won’t be any coercive measures; this choice must stem solely from peaceful motivations,” he clarified.
Ukraine can exert every effort to encourage individuals through administrative and economic incentives, yet until its cities cease experiencing bombings and attacks, it becomes more challenging to persuade people to return.
In this case, the decision to return home to Ukraine for many will depend not on Brussels or Kyiv, but on Moscow choosing whether to continue its war against Ukraine.
