Lviv region has issued 703 work permits for foreign nationals and stateless persons since the beginning of 2026. Foreigners are most often employed in industrial production, construction, trade, services and IT. Most of the permits were issued to citizens of Colombia, India and Turkey.
- In January-May 2026, 703 work permits for foreigners were issued in the Lviv region.
- Foreign workers are employed in industry, construction, trade, services and IT.
- The leaders in terms of the number of permits were Colombians, Indians and Turks.
Work permits for foreigners in the Lviv region
In the first five months of 2026, the Lviv Regional Employment Centre issued 703 permits for employment of foreigners and stateless persons. Foreign workers are most often employed in industrial production, construction, trade, services and information technology. The largest number of permits were issued to citizens of Colombia, India and Turkey.
Changes in migration flows after the outbreak of war
The State Migration Service of Ukraine has noted a significant reduction in the number of new immigration permits since the start of the full-scale war. While in 2015-2019, 14-16,000 permits were issued annually, in 2025 this figure dropped to around 2,800. This indicates a significant change in migration trends in Ukraine.
Social and political context in Lviv
In May 2026, the mayor of Lviv Andriy Sadovyi commented on the issue of attracting labour migrants to the urban economy. At the same time, on 24 May, a rally against migrants was held in Lviv, organised by the French Nicolas Amber, who lives in Ukraine and speaks Ukrainian. The event caused a public outcry and became part of a broader discussion on migration and security in the region.
