After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, millions of Ukrainians were forced to seek safety abroad. Germany and the Netherlands became one of the main countries that accepted refugees. However, a new survey shows that the majority of Ukrainian refugees do not plan to return to their homeland in the near future. Let’s take a closer look at the results of the survey conducted by the EWL Migration Platform together with the Center for East European Studies of the University of Warsaw, and the reasons why Ukrainians decided to stay abroad.
Survey results
According to the survey, only 16% of Ukrainian refugees in Germany and 5% in the Netherlands said they intend to return to Ukraine as soon as possible. Instead, a large part of the respondents plan to stay in the host countries for a long time. In particular, 64% of Ukrainians in Germany plan to stay there for at least a year, and 71% – in the Netherlands.
In Germany, 32% of Ukrainian refugees intend to stay for several years, and 24% – for at least a year. 8% of respondents reported their desire to stay forever. In the Netherlands, 44% of Ukrainians intend to stay in the country for several years, 21% – for at least a year, and only 6% plan to stay forever.
It is interesting that a significant percentage of Ukrainians are still undecided about their future: 18% in Germany and 19% in the Netherlands have not decided whether to stay in their current country of residence or return to their homeland.
Reasons to stay or return
Ukrainians who decided to stay abroad named several main reasons. In Germany, 36% of respondents pointed to easier conditions for citizens of Ukraine, 34% noted the presence of relatives and friends, 31% – a simplified process of legalization of residence and work permits, and 29% – assistance in paying for housing.
For Ukrainians in the Netherlands, the most common reasons for staying were the improvement of working conditions (63%), the implementation of security reforms (41%) and reforms of the justice system (38%).
Several factors can encourage Ukrainians to return home. Almost half (48%) of respondents in Germany indicated higher pay and better working conditions in Ukraine. Other important motivators include the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO (46%) and the opportunity to reunite with family (42%). In the Netherlands, the main reasons for returning could be improved working conditions (63%), implementation of security reforms (41%) and reforms of the justice system (38%).
In addition to the stated main motives that encourage Ukrainians to stay or return, it is important to consider other aspects of the life of refugees. For example, the level of integration in the new society plays an important role. In Germany and the Netherlands, various programs are provided to facilitate the adaptation of Ukrainian refugees, including language courses, vocational training programs and social initiatives.
The study also shows that Ukrainian refugees are actively looking for work and aspire to become part of the local labor market. In Germany, 45% of Ukrainians are already working or studying, while in the Netherlands this figure is 38%. Despite certain difficulties with the recognition of diplomas and qualifications, many Ukrainians still find opportunities for employment and professional development.
Another important aspect is access to health services and education. Many Ukrainian refugees note that they received access to quality medical care, which became a strong argument for remaining in the country. Regarding education, children of Ukrainian refugees have the opportunity to continue their education in local schools, which contributes to their integration and socialization.
The results of the survey indicate that the majority of Ukrainian refugees are in no hurry to return to their homeland. The main reasons for this are improved living and working conditions in host countries, as well as the presence of support from local authorities and the community. However, the final decision of many refugees will depend on the further development of the situation both in Ukraine and in the countries of their temporary stay.
