Socio-economic consequences of labor migration of Ukrainians in the conditions of war

Abstract

Migration processes have accompanied human civilization throughout its history. People have traveled long distances in search of better living conditions, transporting their families, tools, personal belongings, and acquired knowledge. Over time, a separate type of labor migration was formed, driven by the desire to find more favorable employment conditions outside of their home countries. Various factors encourage people to look for work in other cities, regions, or countries, including a limited number of vacancies, economic, political, environmental, or social crises at home, and the possibility of receiving higher pay for similar work elsewhere. The migration of the Ukrainian population has a significant impact not only on the country's economy as a whole but also on its individual regions. One of the most tangible positive effects is the inflow of foreign currency, which contributes to the stability of the national currency, improves the country's balance of payments, and ensures household consumer spending. In addition to financial income, migrants return with new skills and knowledge that can potentially be used for Ukraine's development. However, labor migration also causes an outflow of skilled labor and intellectual elite abroad. This leads to an imbalance in the labor market, inefficient use of public resources, deepening income inequality, and increased inflation. Since the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine, the geography of labor migration has undergone significant changes, shifting to the West. Before 2014, the most popular countries for employment were Russia and Belarus; today, they are Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Germany, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Italy, Turkey, France, and Spain. EU countries actively accepted Ukrainian workers, and after February 24, 2022, they simplified employment procedures for refugees. Many countries have introduced new employment conditions that greatly facilitate the hiring process and allow people forced to flee their homes due to the war to support themselves without relying solely on humanitarian aid. Given this situation, the state needs to develop a set of measures to encourage the return of labor migrants to Ukraine and ensure adequate social protection for those who have been victims of fraud or have suffered while working abroad. It is important to introduce an effective migration policy regulating labor migration processes. Creating new jobs with decent working conditions and an increase in real incomes will also contribute to the return of migrants.