Top Nationalities Receiving Work Permits in Ukraine Revealed by Officials

Work Permits in Ukraine: 2025 Overview

According to Главком: In 2025, citizens from Turkey, India, and Uzbekistan received the highest number of work permits in Ukraine. According to Nataliia Naumenko, head of the State Migration Service, these three countries account for roughly one-third of all temporary residence permits issued for employment purposes. Specifically, Ukraine issued 1,408 permits to Turkish nationals, 946 to Indians, and 936 to Uzbeks last year.

Rising Workforce Diversity: Asia, Latin America, and Caucasus

Beyond these top nations, a growing number of workers are arriving from South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Caucasus region. Overall, ten countries represent 64% of all work permits issued in 2025. This list also includes:

• Azerbaijan (605)
• Bangladesh (600)
• China (516)
• Pakistan (374)
• Colombia (335)
• United Kingdom (311)
• United States (248)

European nations, along with the US, UK, Poland, and Germany, are primarily represented by business-sector professionals. In contrast, Asian nationals mostly fill roles in construction, manufacturing, and services.

However, despite the rise in permit numbers, illegal employment remains a pressing issue. Some employers terminate contracts with foreign workers shortly after completing the paperwork. This leaves migrants jobless, prompting some to attempt illegal entry into Europe. When caught, they are returned to Ukraine under readmission agreements.

“There have been cases in western regions where migrants were brought in, registered for jobs, we issued permits-and then within two weeks, their contracts were terminated,” Naumenko said.

The migration service chief emphasized that the State Labor Service should identify illegal employment, and such cases may be treated as human trafficking. “The National Police opens criminal cases on this matter and prosecutes the employers,” she added. Foreigners who cooperate with investigators may qualify as victims of human trafficking. Meanwhile, the State Migration Service cannot deport these individuals to their home countries due to disrupted logistics, complicating the situation.

Thus, while Ukraine successfully attracted a substantial number of foreign workers in 2025, challenges around illegal employment and associated risks persist. Authorities are concerned, as these practices could lead to serious social and economic consequences. It is crucial for state agencies not only to oversee permit issuance but also to actively combat illegal labor practices, ensuring the protection of foreign workers' rights. This affects both Ukraine’s image as a country open to foreign investment and labor migration, as well as domestic social stability.

As the influx of foreign workers continues to reshape the labor market in Ukraine, it is essential to understand the broader trends influencing this migration. The recent report highlights a significant rise in labor migrants from various regions, particularly from Asia and Latin America. For a detailed analysis of this unprecedented increase and its implications for the Ukrainian economy, read more about the surge in labor migration.