Ukraine's Eurointegration may significantly change the labor market situation after opening borders with the European Union. The principle of free movement of labor means easier and longer employment in EU countries, as well as mutual recognition of diplomas. At the same time, a key question remains open: will this turn into an opportunity for development, or will it strengthen the loss of human capital? This is what writes the All-Ukrainian Association of International Employment Companies.
Ukrainians already have experience working in the European labor market. After the introduction of the visa-free regime in 2017, millions of citizens took advantage of the right to legal employment in EU countries. Full membership, according to experts, will only expand these opportunities and make labor migration more stable.
Opening borders with the EU and the labor market
The president of the All-Ukrainian Association of International Employment Companies, Vasyl Voskoboynik, notes that open borders do not mean an automatic exit of all Ukrainians.
«There are people who are ready to live as it is, and there are ambitious ones — those who go to work and develop when given the opportunity. Joining the EU will provide this opportunity on a permanent basis», he explains.
Opening borders with the EU against the backdrop of a demographic crisis
Poland's experience shows that mass migration after joining the EU is possible, but over time, some workers return along with economic growth and salaries. At the same time, Ukraine is entering the process of Eurointegration with a deep demographic crisis, making any additional outflow particularly sensitive.
According to experts, the future balance between departure and return will depend on the internal politics of the state:
- economic growth rates
- wage levels
- conditions for living and working
- the orientation of government decisions towards human needs.
Voskoboynik emphasizes that people are the main asset of the country. If the state creates conditions for development, open borders can work for the return of Ukrainians, not for their loss.
Let us remind you that the EU adopted a new five-year strategy in the field of migration and visa policy.