The Czech construction industry is at risk of facing serious staffing issues in the event of mass returns of Ukrainians home after the war ends. Ukrainian workers currently make up about one-tenth of all those employed in the sector. This is reported by ČTK.
The construction industry in the Czech Republic depends on Ukrainian workers
According to the Union of Entrepreneurs in Construction, about 415 thousand people work in the industry, of which approximately 40 thousand are citizens of Ukraine. They are employed in various positions:
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Workers
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Skilled craftsmen
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Technical specialists.
The President of the Union of Entrepreneurs in Construction, Jiří Nouza, emphasized: «If Ukrainians did not work here, the situation would be much more complicated. Czech workers are not lining up for construction vacancies. The possible emigration of part of the Ukrainian workers will undoubtedly negatively affect the industry».
Experts predict that over the next five years, the sector could lack up to 75 thousand people.
Rebuilding Ukraine could open new opportunities for Czech companies
The head of the Czech Chamber of Authorized Engineers and Technicians, Robert Špalek, noted that without the involvement of Ukrainians, several construction projects in the Czech Republic could stop.
«In the case of a mass return of technicians, craftsmen, and workers, part of the construction will face serious difficulties», he emphasized.
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At the same time, after the end of the war, Czech companies may become more actively involved in the reconstruction of Ukraine. This concerns infrastructure facilities, energy, water management structures, and bridges. The head of the Czech Chamber of Architects, Jan Kasl, believes that Ukrainians already working in the Czech Republic could become a competitive advantage for Czech firms during project implementation in Ukraine.
According to the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic, at the end of last year, over 393 thousand Ukrainian citizens had temporary protection in the country. Meanwhile, experts do not see any significant impact of Ukrainian refugees on the housing crisis.
Recall that the new government of the Czech Republic is preparing to restore the program of special long-term residence for Ukrainian refugees, which gives the right to legally live in the country for five years with the prospect of obtaining a permanent residence permit.