78% of Ukrainians in Poland are working: will they return home?

Most Ukrainians who left for European Union countries after the onset of the large-scale war have quickly integrated into local labor markets. In Poland, about 78% of Ukrainian citizens are employed, which indicates their active economic participation rather than dependence on social assistance. This is reported by the Office of Migration Policy.

The head of the Office of Migration Policy and President of the All-Ukrainian Association of International Employment Companies, Vasyl Voskoboynik, spoke about the situation on the air of the television channel. According to him, Ukrainians abroad are actively working, paying taxes, using services, and forming internal demand in the host countries.

Only in Poland, where about 1.5 million Ukrainian citizens currently reside, their economic activity added approximately 2.7% to the country's gross domestic product in 2024.

Ukrainians in Poland in the labor market

The largest number of Ukrainians in Poland are involved in the following sectors:

• construction;

• logistics;

• industrial production;

• warehouse work.

At the same time, a layer of specialists in the fields of IT, finance, and services has formed. Some Ukrainians hold management positions and work on equal terms with Polish citizens.

The expert notes that there is no significant difference in wages between Poles and Ukrainians in the same positions. Poland adheres to the principle of equal pay to avoid displacing local workers with cheaper labor.

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Return of Ukrainians after the war: what could influence it

At the same time, the issue of Ukrainians returning home remains open. According to Vasyl Voskoboynik, Ukraine will not be able to compete with wages in the EU in the coming decades. However, the state can create conditions that will encourage return.

Among the key factors he mentions are:

• favorable taxation for business;

• quick career advancement opportunities;

• affordable housing;

• a predictable and safe future.

«People stay where they see safety and prospects for tomorrow. This is what keeps Ukrainians in Europe today», — emphasized the expert.

Earlier we wrote, how many Ukrainians were born in Poland in 2025.