Poland may lose 650 thousand Ukrainians: who is ready to leave

The impact of the departure of Ukrainians on the labor market in Poland

Poland may face a labor shortage due to the possible departure of about 650 thousand Ukrainians. Research by the Polish Economic Institute revealed different categories of Ukrainian migrants with various plans for the future. More than 1.5 million Ukrainians are legally residing in Poland, of which over 850 thousand pay social contributions. The employment rate among Ukrainians in Poland is 75-85%.

Categories of Ukrainian migrants in Poland

The research showed that approximately 300 thousand 'guests' and 285 thousand 'travelers' may leave Poland. Among the 'guests', 39% are men in medium-skilled jobs who arrived after 2022. 'Travelers', who make up 30% of Ukrainians, are young women working in services, medicine, and education, and they see their stay in Poland as temporary.

• 'Arrivals' (16%) - people without permanent jobs, who have been in the country for up to four years;
• 'Settlers' (15%) - the most integrated group, mainly men who have lived in Poland for over four years.

Currently, 15% of Ukrainians feel a strong connection to Polish society. It is important to note that 350 thousand Ukrainian children are studying in Poland.

This situation can significantly affect the labor market in Poland, as the departure of such a large number of Ukrainians may lead to serious problems in ensuring labor resources.

“In a situation where Ukrainians make up a significant part of the workforce in Poland, their possible departure may lead to shortages in various sectors of the economy.” - Polish Economic Institute

This may exacerbate the employment problem and pose new challenges for Polish employers, who are already facing difficulties in finding qualified workers. It is essential for the Polish government and business structures to pay attention to these changes and develop strategies to attract new labor resources or support existing migrants in their desire to stay in the country.