Ukraine may face a significant demographic problem after the war ends. According to experts, a significant portion of citizens who left the country may not return home even after the situation stabilizes. This is reported by the All-Ukrainian Association of Companies for International Employment.
Ukrainians Abroad: How Many Might Not Return After the War
The President of the All-Ukrainian Association of Companies for International Employment and Head of the Migration Policy Office Vasyl Voskoboynyk believes that about 70% of Ukrainians currently outside the country may remain there for a long time.
According to the expert, the key role is played by successful integration of people into the new environment.
«Those who have learned the language, found work, socialized, and started building a career are unlikely to want to start life over again», — noted Voskoboynyk.
Ukrainian Migration: How Integration in the EU Affects Family Decisions
A significant factor is the adaptation of the children of Ukrainian refugees. Many families have been living in European Union countries for several years, where children are attending schools and participating in local community life.
As of today:
- about 5.2 million Ukrainians hold temporary protection status in EU countries;
- approximately 70% of them are women;
- about 70% of these women have higher education.
At the same time, some Ukrainians are working in fields unrelated to their qualifications due to language barriers or the complex process of diploma recognition.
Experts suggest that those who may return to Ukraine are primarily those who have not fully integrated abroad or who will face worsening economic conditions.
Experts emphasize: without the return of a significant portion of citizens, it will be much harder for the state to ensure reconstruction and economic growth after the war.
It should be noted that according to the Institute of Demography of the NAS of Ukraine, during the full-scale war, the annual population decline in Ukraine is about 1 million 150 thousand people.