The issue of employment for Ukrainian refugees remains one of the key topics after the start of the full-scale invasion. Millions of Ukrainians were forced to leave their homes, go abroad and adapt to new living conditions. For them, work became not only a means of survival, but also an important step towards integration into the new society. The countries of the European Union have created significantly simplified rules for the entry, stay and employment of Ukrainians based on the status of temporary protection. This allowed thousands of Ukrainian citizens to work legally in Europe. However, not all countries and cities offer favorable working conditions, and some labor markets create additional difficulties for newcomers.
In many EU countries, 40% to 60% of Ukrainians with temporary protection status are currently employed. However, the level of satisfaction with working conditions remains ambiguous, as a significant part of refugees faces low wages, lack of career opportunities and complex bureaucratic procedures.
The procedure for filing documents for official employment
Although the EU has created simplified conditions for access to the labor market, legal employment remains a procedure that requires the preparation of a significant package of documents. The list of mandatory documents varies depending on the country and specific vacancy. Most often, it includes: a foreign biometric passport with a valid validity period, copies of the domestic passport of Ukraine and identification code, as well as a work visa (if it is mandatory in a specific country).
In addition, employers may require letters of recommendation, a notarized employment record, educational diplomas, a criminal record certificate, and health insurance. All documents must be translated into the official language of the host country, which often becomes an additional obstacle for new arrivals.
The most attractive EU countries for employment of Ukrainians
According to the data European Commission, it is easiest for Ukrainians to find work in such European cities as Prague (Czech Republic), Cluj-Napoca (Romania), Munich and Hamburg (Germany), Bratislava (Slovakia), Oslo (Norway), Stockholm (Sweden), Warsaw (Poland), Sofia (Bulgaria) and Tallinn (Estonia).
Separately, experts single out the cities with the best prospects for Ukrainian refugees, where the labor market shows a stable demand for labor: Hamburg, Munich, Prague, Bratislava, Warsaw, Oslo and Stockholm. In these regions, Ukrainians can find work both in unskilled positions and in areas that require specific training.
At the same time, in the countries of Southern Europe – such as Italy, Spain and Greece – the labor market situation is less favorable for refugees due to the limited demand for foreign labor and the requirement to speak the local language.
Features of the labor market in different countries
In Germany, Ukrainian refugees have the right to official employment after six months of stay in the country. The greatest demand is observed for workers for warehouses, factories, construction sites and in the transport sector. Among other areas in demand are care for the elderly and cleaning services.
The Netherlands offers significant employment opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing and greenhouses. Here, work is available even for candidates without knowledge of the language, but the physical load is significant.
Norway has the highest level of wages among EU countries. Workers in the construction sector, in production and in transport can receive from 2.5 to 4 thousand euros per month.
In Poland, which remains one of the main destinations for Ukrainian refugees, the greatest demand falls on the construction sector and the hotel and restaurant business. In addition, the country needs qualified doctors and teachers.
Safe employment abroad
In order to avoid fraud and unwanted situations, it is important for Ukrainians to carefully check employment contracts. All documents must contain clear provisions regarding the employee’s duties, working conditions, salary level and additional expenses. You should avoid intermediaries without a license and focus on reliable agents or direct contact with the employer.
Before leaving, you should leave complete information about the place of work, contacts and terms of stay with your relatives. Original documents should be kept in a safe place and given only to employees of official institutions.
Simplified rules for Ukrainians in EU countries have greatly facilitated the job search process, but each state has its own characteristics and requirements. Legal employment requires a careful approach, competent preparation of documents and knowledge of local conditions. Thanks to thorough preparation, Ukrainians can find work abroad and ensure stability in this difficult time.
