Decline in Labor Migration Across Ukraine
According to Nataliia Naumenko, head of the State Migration Service, in an interview with Glavkom, the scale of labor migration in Ukraine has dropped compared to the pre-war year of 2021. She noted that labor migration existed in Ukraine before the full-scale war, continues today, and will persist after the conflict ends. In 2021, Ukraine issued over 21,000 work permits to foreigners, but this number fell to 4,529 in 2023. In 2024, 6,127 permits were issued, and in 2025, the figure rose to 9,574—representing 43.9% of the pre-war level.
Work Permit Application Process
Naumenko also emphasized that obtaining a work permit does not guarantee a foreigner's actual arrival in Ukraine. To work legally, a foreigner must complete several steps:
- secure a work permit,
- apply for a visa,
- obtain a temporary residence permit.
She pointed out that in 2025, employment centers issued 9,574 permits for employing foreigners, yet only 4,975 individuals received temporary residence permits based on those approvals. This indicates that roughly half of those who were granted permits actually arrived and regularized their status in Ukraine.
'In the pre-war year of 2021, 21,786 people held work permits in Ukraine; by 2023, that number had dropped nearly fivefold to 4,529.'
Nataliia Naumenko
She noted that a gradual recovery in labor migration trends has only been visible since 2024. In 2025, the issuance of temporary residence permits reached 38.6% of the pre-war level, and during the first four months of 2026, the State Migration Service processed 1,733 temporary residence permits for foreigners.
Naumenko also dismissed concerns about a massive influx of migrants into Ukraine, stating that such claims do not reflect reality. She stressed that consulates and the Security Service of Ukraine are involved in verification processes, ensuring strict oversight at every stage of visa issuance. According to her, 'Russian propaganda has launched a new wave of fake news about an alleged mass import of Indians, Pakistanis, and other migrants into Ukraine.' As a result, labor migration in Ukraine remains under control, and migration levels have not approached pre-war figures.
The reduction in work permits issued to foreigners in Ukraine compared to pre-war times highlights the impact of the war and economic factors on labor migration. Despite this, a certain recovery trend is evident, which may signal an improving economic situation in the country. Strict oversight of migration processes also reflects government efforts to ensure security and stability amid migration-related risks. This could play a key role in shaping future employment and migration policies in Ukraine.
As labor migration trends in Ukraine gradually recover, it's essential to consider how similar shifts are occurring across Europe. In 2025, the EU has also tightened its approach to managing migrant populations, leading to a significant decrease in new arrivals. Understanding these parallel developments can provide valuable insights into the broader context of migration policies and their implications. For more on this topic, see how the EU is addressing migrant deportations.