There are about 8 million Ukrainians abroad, according to Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga. Ukraine is working to return its citizens and create appropriate conditions, but some countries remain interested in Ukrainian migrants because of their contribution to the economy and skills. The programme for the protection of Ukrainians in the EU will run until March 2027, and no decision has been made on its extension.
- About 8 million Ukrainians live abroad.
- Ukraine aims to return them and create the conditions for this.
- The programme for the protection of Ukrainians in the EU is valid until March 2027.
- The decision to extend the programme has not yet been made.
Ukrainian Diaspora Abroad: Scale and Challenges
There are about 8 million citizens outside Ukraine. Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sibiga reported that this is a significant part of the country's population currently living in other countries. This situation has arisen as a result of a number of circumstances that require attention from the government.
Ukraine aims to return of its citizens and creating appropriate conditions for their return. However, a number of countries that have accepted Ukrainians take into account their economic contribution and qualifications, which influences their decisions on further support or integration.
Programme for the Protection of Ukrainians in the European Union
Existing Programme for the protection of Ukrainians in the EU is designed to last until March 2027. It provides a certain level of social and legal protection for Ukrainian refugees and migrants. However, the decision to extend the programme has not yet been made, which creates uncertainty for many Ukrainian citizens in Europe.
The Minister emphasises the need for continued and enhanced international support to ensure stability for Ukrainians abroad and facilitate their return home.
Economic and social impact of Ukrainian migration
The Ukrainian diaspora has a significant impact on the economies of host countries. Their skills and diligence help to support a number of economic sectors, making some countries less interested in the mass return of Ukrainians. This creates a difficult balance between the interests of Ukraine and the host countries.
At the same time, the Ukrainian government plans to develop incentives and conditions that would facilitate the return of Ukrainians and their integration into the domestic labour market, which is important for the country's post-war recovery.
