Why Ukraine needs foreign workers: the president of the Confederation of Employers responds

Ukraine is rapidly approaching one of the most acute staffing challenges in its entire history of independence. Due to the war, population migration, and mobilization, businesses are already experiencing a serious labor shortage, and after the start of large-scale reconstruction, the demand for labor could rise to millions of people. That is why the country is gradually shifting from a model of exporting labor resources to importing them. 

This was stated by the president of the Confederation of Employers of Ukraine, Ruslan Illichov, in a column for ZN.UA.

Staff deficit has become a threat to the economy

According to Illichov, the labor shortage is already hindering the development of certain sectors of the economy.

The sectors experiencing the greatest shortage of workers are:

• construction; • logistics; • agriculture; • manufacturing; • services.

The expert notes that part of the Ukrainians are abroad, some are undergoing military service, and many have been forced to change professions or have lost the opportunity to work due to the consequences of the war.

In his opinion, without attracting additional labor, implementing large-scale reconstruction of the country will be extremely difficult.

Foreigners should not displace Ukrainians from the labor market

The president of the Confederation of Employers emphasized that priority in hiring should remain for citizens of Ukraine.

According to him, job vacancies should first be offered to veterans, internally displaced persons, people with disabilities, and retirees.

Only in cases where there are no candidates among Ukrainians, employers may hire workers from other countries.

Illichov also advocated for the creation of adaptation programs for foreigners coming to work in Ukraine. These should include familiarization with Ukrainian laws, culture, traditions, and rules of coexistence.

A qualification check is proposed for migrants

The expert paid particular attention to confirming the professional skills of foreign workers.

He suggested creating a mechanism of a sort of «qualification ticket» that would allow confirming the level of training of a specialist upon arrival in Ukraine.

In his view, this will help avoid distrust from local workers and ensure transparency in the labor market.

Illichov also warned against chaotic recruitment of labor through intermediaries. Without clear state policy, this may lead to illegal employment, wage dumping, and social tension.

At the same time, he is convinced that in the future, Ukraine will have to compete for workers with Poland, Germany, the Baltic states, and Canada, as in the 21st century, a country's success increasingly depends on its ability to attract and retain people.

Let us remind you, despite the active spread of messages on social media about a supposed mass influx of labor migrants to Ukraine, the real situation looks quite different. Due to the war, lower wages, and security risks, the country today remains one of the least attractive for foreign workers.