УДК : 331.55:316.4:005.95:338.2(477)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36887/2415-8453-2025-2-63
JEL classification: J61, F22, O15, F24
The article is devoted to the analysis of labour migration in Ukraine, which remains one of the key socio-economic problems of the country. Particular attention is paid to the ways of solving the problem, including raising living standards, creating jobs, reforming the economy and supporting the reintegration of migrants. The purpose of the study is to assess the state and trends of labour migration in Ukraine, its impact on the socio-economic development of the country’s regions, and to develop practical recommendations for effective management of migration processes to minimise the negative effects of labour migration. It is estimated that in 2022-2024, 3 to 5 million Ukrainians went abroad as labour migrants or refugees due to war, economic hardship, and other factors. Main countries of destination: Poland (more than 1.5 million people), Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, and the Baltic States. Poland remains the main recipient due to its geographical proximity and simplified employment conditions. Seasonal migration accounts for a significant share: about 30% of migrants work abroad for 3-6 months a year. The main reasons for migration are: low wages in Ukraine (average salary in 2023 is ~18,000 UAH compared to 50,000-100,000 UAH in the EU in terms of wages); unemployment in some regions reaches 10-15%; Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 has led to a massive outflow of people, especially women and young professionals; limited access to quality education, healthcare, and social guarantees; visa-free travel to the EU (since 2017); and high demand for labour in construction, agriculture, and elderly care. Migration reduces pressure on the labour market in regions with low economic potential. The loss of the working-age population (18-45 years old) leads to the ageing of the nation. According to forecasts, by 2030, the population of Ukraine may decline to 35 million people. More than 25% of migrants are highly skilled professionals (IT, medicine, engineering), which weakens the innovation potential. Labour migration of Ukrainians is a complex phenomenon that poses both opportunities and potential threats to economic growth. While the positive contribution of migrants in the form of remittances and experience can be used for economic development, the loss of human capital poses a threat to the country’s long-term development. To solve the problem, a coordinated state policy is needed to create attractive living and working conditions in Ukraine, as well as to support those who choose to work abroad.
Keywords: migration, labour resources, economically active population, demography, reintegration, remittances, human resources management.
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The article was received 03.04.2025
Quote article, APA style
Skupskyi R. , Shemchuk R. 03.04.2025 . Migration of labour resources in ukraine: state of the problem and prospects for regulation. West Ukrainian National University. 2025. №2. 328-332 pp. https://doi.org/10.36887/2415-8453-2025-2-63
Quote article, MLA style
Skupskyi R. , Shemchuk R. Migration of labour resources in ukraine: state of the problem and prospects for regulation. West Ukrainian National University. 03.04.2025 . https://doi.org/10.36887/2415-8453-2025-2-63