Ukrainian Workers in Italy Risk Losing Their Pensions: Years of Service Don't Boost Payments

Pension Challenges for Ukrainian Migrant Workers in Italy

According to ХВИЛЯ: The pension situation for Ukrainians employed in Italy remains problematic due to the lack of a comprehensive bilateral agreement between the two countries. Many face significant obstacles in securing their retirement benefits. While years of service completed in Italy are recognized by Ukraine's Pension Fund (PFU) for eligibility purposes, they have no bearing on the actual payout amount.

It is important to understand that the size of a Ukrainian pension is determined solely by contributions made to Ukraine's budget. Italian salaries and social security payments are not factored into the calculation formula. As a result, even though Ukrainian migrants can accumulate work years in Italy, this experience does not lead to higher pension payments from Ukraine.

Required Documents for Pension Applications

To verify Italian work history, employees must obtain a statement from Italy's National Social Security Institute (INPS). The full set of documents needed to apply for a pension includes:

• An original certificate from INPS,
• Copies of employment contracts,
• A foreign passport,
• A domestic ID card,
• Notarized translations of all foreign documents into Ukrainian.

Applications can be submitted through the online portal of Ukraine's Pension Fund. However, verifying foreign work history can take several months, so experts recommend starting the paperwork at least six months before reaching retirement age. In certain cases, Ukrainian migrant workers may purchase additional coverage years if it makes financial sense.

In short, the pension issue for Ukrainians employed in Italy remains unresolved and calls for urgent action, particularly through the establishment of a bilateral agreement between Ukraine and Italy.

The absence of such an agreement could have serious consequences for Ukrainian migrant workers planning to return home. Uncertainty around pension calculations and the complexity of verifying foreign work history may lead to financial difficulties in old age. For this reason, stepping up dialogue between the two countries to finalize a pension deal is a crucial step toward improving social protection for Ukrainians working abroad.

Similar challenges are faced by Ukrainian workers in Poland, where lengthy delays in pension claims hinder their access to retirement benefits. These ongoing issues highlight the need for improved bilateral agreements to facilitate smoother processes for migrant workers. For more insights into the complexities of pension claims abroad, check out the article on delays affecting Ukrainian pension claims in Poland.