The recruitment of foreign workers into Ukraine’s labor market is viewed solely as one of several additional tools for addressing labor shortages. This is stated in the Cabinet of Ministers’ response, signed by Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, to a petition calling for prioritizing the hiring of Ukrainians over bringing in migrants, according to the Ukrainian News agency.
Svyrydenko noted that russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine has caused a significant deterioration in the functioning of the labor market, large-scale population displacement, the destruction of business infrastructure, job losses, and a geographical shift in economic activity.
"Under these conditions, the state’s primary task is to bring people who are currently in Ukraine or can return from abroad into the labor market, including through the introduction of systematic support for youth, women, veterans, people with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and older adults, who should receive specific tools—ranging from career guidance and retraining to adapted workplaces and inclusive hiring programs," the response states.
According to her, the government’s systematic response to transformational changes in the labor market is the Employment Strategy of Ukraine for the Period until 2030, approved by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 92 of January 7, 2026.
Regarding the implementation of the proposed mechanism for prioritizing job reservations for Ukrainian citizens residing abroad who are ready to return to work in critical sectors, Svyrydenko noted that this must be consistent with the requirements of Ukrainian legislation, which specifically provides for the booking of persons liable for military service who work or serve at enterprises, institutions, and organizations that are critical for meeting the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, or for the functioning of the economy and ensuring the livelihoods of the population during a special period.
The response also notes that a draft of Ukraine’s long-term economic development strategy, “Economy of the Future,” spanning 15 years, aimed at creating conditions to attract investment, accelerate economic growth, bring Ukraine’s income levels closer to those of Central and Eastern European countries, and facilitate the return of Ukrainians who were forced to leave Ukraine due to russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, an online petition to the Cabinet of Ministers calling for prioritizing Ukrainians over migrants has gathered the 25,000 signatures required for consideration.
The NBU believes that risks to the labor market remain significant due to the migration and assimilation of Ukrainians abroad.
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