The war forced millions of Ukrainians to leave their homes, fleeing from danger. They sought refuge in European countries, which gave them the opportunity to survive the most difficult period of the war. However, the return of these people to Ukraine is important not only from a moral point of view, but also for the restoration of the economy, social life and the future of the state.
The return of refugees is a complex and multifaceted process that depends not only on security in the country, but also on the availability of opportunities for a dignified life. Demographer, Doctor of Economic Sciences Lyudmila Cherenko, who researches the problems of refugees, told, why refugees will return home and what factors influence their decisions.
The main reasons for the return of refugees
Lyudmila Cherenko notes that the majority of Ukrainians who left the country because of the war belong to vulnerable categories: mothers with children, elderly people, pensioners. In European countries, better living conditions have been created for them, especially with regard to social benefits and access to medical and educational services. However, the expert believes that the return of these people to Ukraine is inevitable, because the loyal attitude of the host countries cannot last forever.
Temporary support of European countries
Cherenko reminds that Ukrainian refugees currently enjoy significant support from European governments, including free housing, financial payments and relaxed employment requirements. However, these are only temporary measures. Eventually, once countries feel the financial pressure of prolonged aid, these programs will begin to wind down. Therefore, refugees will have to provide for their own accommodation, which can stimulate their return home.
Limited opportunities for career development
Another reason that will force Ukrainians to return is the limited prospects for career growth abroad. Cherenko emphasizes that many people who had high qualifications and successful careers in Ukraine are forced to work in low-skilled positions in EU countries. This creates a feeling of unfulfillment and a desire to return to a familiar environment, where there is an opportunity to use one’s professional skills to their full potential.
Psychological aspect
The expert also pays attention to the psychological aspect of adaptation. People who left the country in the early days of the war perceive the risks differently. In Ukraine, despite the danger, society has become accustomed to a constant state of threat, while abroad, every news about shelling causes shock and alarm. In case of stabilization of the situation in Ukraine, some of the refugees will be ready to return, as the feeling of home is a significant factor.
Why financial support does not work
According to Cherenko, Ukraine cannot compete with the economic opportunities of European countries. Offering refugees high social benefits or financial incentives to return is not only unrealistic, but also unfair to those citizens who remained in the country during the war. Large payments can create social inequality and cause resentment among the population.
What can stimulate return
According to the expert, business support programs are more effective than financial incentives. This applies not only to refugees, but also to all citizens, regardless of social category. The development of the business environment and the creation of new jobs can be an important step for Ukrainians to return home. This is especially true for those who want to work and develop in their country.
Lyudmila Cherenko summarizes that the return of refugees depends not only on economic or social conditions, but also on the subjective desire of people. Those who dreamed of returning home have already done so, despite the difficulties. However, many Ukrainians still remain abroad, and their return will depend on security, prospects and the creation of conditions for a decent life. Ukraine needs to focus its efforts not on material incentives, but on creating a comfortable environment for work, study and life. This will be a key factor in the return of fellow citizens and the restoration of the state.
