Where will our migrant workers go after the quarantine

In early spring, more than 270 thousand migrant workers returned to Ukraine. They also have to stay at home. Will they continue to stay home after the quarantine and will they find work abroad?

How many Ukrainians work abroad?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared information that nearly 3.2 million citizens of Ukraine are employed abroad. The unofficial data is not exactly known.

Andriy Reva, a former Minister of Social Policy, believes that the real number reaches 7-9 million. Andriy Blinov, an expert from the National Bank of Ukraine, stated that 3-7 million migrant workers are employed outside of Ukraine. Many of them work seasonally. And work abroad attracts more and more Ukrainians.

Vasyl Voskoboynyk, who holds the position of president of the All-Ukrainian Association of Companies for International Employment, reported that most guest workers work illegally. Migrants seeking employment in other countries do not inform the Ukrainian government about their actions.

According to sociological studies, 40-60% of migrants are engaged in unofficial activities. 93% of them perform physical labor.

If at least twice as many citizens return to Ukraine, the number will still be less than 1/5 of the legally employed migrant workers.

What awaits those who are legally employed?

As long as the coronavirus pandemic is not subdued, Ukrainians are not intentionally returning home. Yevhen Kyrychenko, owner of the international employment agency Gremi Personal, said that only 4% of Ukrainian citizens returned from Poland. Mostly, those migrants who were soon to have their visas expire left.

The threat to the economy of the country due to the loss of migrant workers has been calculated. They account for almost 7% of Poland's GDP. Therefore, the country is doing everything to keep them. A Polish package called 'Anti-Crisis Shield' with legislative changes has been developed.

Vasyl Voskoboynyk added that migrant workers have no opportunity to return to Ukraine and obtain a visa until the quarantine is over. Poland is extending their stay until the end of the pandemic and for an additional month afterward. In addition, migrants are helped with document processing and are issued residence permits for 3 years free of charge.

The 'Residence Card' is issued free of charge for those Ukrainians who came to Poland on a visa or biometric passport. They are only required to pay a state fee for the application and trust document. Everything else will be handled by the agency.

The authorities of Poland and Italy announced that they are providing free medical services to migrant workers who have contracted COVID-19.

Andriy Blinov clarified that all countries provide social assistance when citizens face temporary incapacity for work or unemployment. For this, the employee must have insurance from the national social insurance system. Therefore, Ukrainians can spend the quarantine abroad.

Will it be possible to work in the EU after the quarantine?

Due to the quarantine, the European labor market has suffered, especially affecting tourism, hospitality, and restaurants. In these fields, it will be problematic for migrant workers to find employment. Most likely, the authorities of the countries will insist on hiring local residents so that they do not suffer too much from the crisis.

There are sectors where Ukrainians have a better chance of finding work. These include agriculture. Farmers are already losing money as they do not have employees to harvest the crops. Local residents, even those who have lost their jobs, are not keen on working in this sector. Unlike migrant workers, they are not willing to work more than 8 hours a day, as it violates their rights.

The EU authorities are trying to solve this problem. They are allowing entry for seasonal employees from Eastern Europe. New workers will be needed at least until the end of summer.

In Italy, the need for caregivers has decreased. However, after the end of the quarantine, demand will again increase. Medical workers, including nurses, will also be in demand. Builders will be needed in Poland.

It is not excluded that the wage level will decrease, as organizations have suffered financially, and people are willing to accept lower pay during the crisis.

In Russia, it will be extremely difficult for migrant workers to find employment. Local residents themselves will agree to almost any offer.

In Ukraine, it will not be possible to stay

77% of agricultural, industrial, and trade organizations do not plan to hire new employees. 23% of companies plan to reduce their staff.

Salaries will also be cut. It is expected that the average salary will amount to 10,700 UAH. Previously, it was said that the figure would rise to 11,000 UAH. In December, the average salary was 10,800 UAH.

Yevhen Kyrychenko said that the economic situation in Ukraine will deteriorate faster than in Poland. Because of this, even more citizens will leave the country. Due to the need for money, people agree to any job. The crisis is not an obstacle to finding work abroad. Moreover, labor is needed in Europe.