The government has allocated 150 million hryvnias for the return of Ukrainian refugees from abroad
The war forced millions of Ukrainians to leave their homes and seek refuge in various countries around the world. According to official data, there are more than 7.5 million Ukrainian refugees abroad who were forced to leave for Europe, North America and other countries due to the war. Many of them have already integrated into new societies and do not wish to return, but others intend to do so. That is why the government of Ukraine is developing measures that will facilitate the return of citizens, create conditions for their comfortable life and integration into the reconstruction of the country.
A new government initiative
As reported permanent representative of the Cabinet of Ministers in the Verkhovna Rada, Taras Melnychuk, the government decided to transfer the budget allocation provided for the Ministry of Economy for 2025 in the general fund of the state budget under the program “Ensuring the fulfillment of tasks and measures to support Ukrainians abroad and facilitating their return to Ukraine” in the amount of 150 million. At the same time, 28.7 thousand hryvnias allocated to the Ministry of National Unity of Ukraine for a new budget program.
So, these funds are planned to be used for the implementation of a new program to support Ukrainians abroad and their return, but Melnychuk did not tell about the details of this program.
Most likely, this program will include the following areas:
- creation of financial and social support mechanisms for those who decide to return;
- simplification of procedures for return, registration and receipt of documents;
- implementation of employment and retraining programs for migrants;
- assistance in resettlement and reconstruction of housing for returning Ukrainians;
- providing access to free education and medicine for refugee families.
This initiative is part of the broader strategy of the state to restore the economy, combat the demographic crisis and strengthen social stability.
Why is Ukraine interested in the return of its citizens
Ukraine is currently facing serious challenges related to population outflow. The mass migration of Ukrainians caused a shortage of qualified personnel, a decrease in the birth rate, and a demographic imbalance. Many refugees are educated people of working age who can make a significant contribution to the development of the country. The return of these citizens is important from both an economic and a social point of view.
In addition, the return of Ukrainians will help to improve the situation on the labor market, promote the development of entrepreneurship and raise the level of qualification of the workforce. Involvement of citizens in the reconstruction of infrastructure, business and the social sphere will allow the country to recover faster from the consequences of the war.
Ministry of National Unity: role in the return of Ukrainians
In August 2024, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, announced the creation of the Ministry of National Unity, which is designed to unite Ukrainians abroad, counter Russian propaganda, and promote the preservation of Ukrainian identity among the diaspora. The main goal of this department is to support Ukrainian communities abroad, strengthen their ties with Ukraine and protect common national interests.
Zelenskyy emphasized that the state should interact more actively with the diaspora to meet the educational, cultural and informational needs of Ukrainians abroad. According to him, the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs alone are not enough for this. He also emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not have enough resources to support the 7.5 million Ukrainians who are currently abroad, so the new department will focus on this direction.
Earlier, the Minister of National Unity, Oleksiy Chernyshov, emphasized that the return of Ukrainians to Ukraine will take place exclusively on a voluntary basis, without any coercion. At the same time, it is planned to open “Unity Hubs” abroad, which will contribute to the support of Ukrainian communities, help preserve cultural identity and connection with the Motherland. Chernyshov also noted that these “Unity Hubs” will not only support Ukrainians outside the country, but will also help those who decide to return home.
The main problems in the return of citizens
Despite the positive intentions of the government, the process of returning Ukrainians from abroad faces a number of problems:
- Economic difficulties – the war has had a significant impact on the Ukrainian economy, and many people fear that they will not be able to find work upon their return.
- Housing issue – some refugees lost their homes due to hostilities, and their return is impossible without solving the housing issue.
- Security situation – military operations are still ongoing, and some Ukrainians are not ready to return to regions under threat of shelling.
- Educational and medical infrastructure – it is necessary to provide returned citizens with access to quality social services.
- Integration and adaptation – after a long stay abroad, many people will need help in adapting to new realities in Ukraine.
Despite all the difficulties, the initiative to return citizens is extremely important for the future of Ukraine. The measures introduced by the government can be the first step in the formation of a long-term strategy for the return of refugees, their integration into society and the use of their potential for the development of the country.
