The concept of engaging foreign labor from other nations to work in Ukraine has ignited substantial discussion and apprehension amongst Ukrainians. Is it truly possible for workers from India to foster competition within the domestic job market, or could this be seen as an endeavor to shield businesses from employee deficiencies?
Migrants from India in Ukraine / © Unsplash
Ukrainians are reacting quite vehemently to the notion of engaging foreign workers to come to Ukraine. Largely because people are troubled by the query: will newcomers from India steal their employment opportunities? What characteristics will labor immigration to Ukraine exhibit? We will elaborate subsequently.
The onboarding and official registration of each foreign national could total up to 120 thousand hryvnias. Economic Truth provided further details on this matter.
Migrants from India: what conditions will they have in Ukraine?
Representatives from Ukrainian commercial enterprises have voiced that such a degree of alarm amongst Ukrainians is untimely and overstated. Foreign nationals have consistently been employed in Ukraine, even in significant quantities.
By comparison: in 2021, approximately 22 thousand employment authorizations were granted to individuals from abroad in Ukraine. In 2025, a mere 9.6 thousand for the entire nation.
In Kyiv, a location grappling with a critical scarcity of workforce, 790 authorizations have been dispensed since the commencement of the year to enlist individuals from across the globe.
If one considers the populace within the government-controlled region of Ukraine, estimated at around 22–25 million residents, the count of foreign migrants is presently negligible — roughly 0.04%.
Despite all accounts, approximately 15.3% of Ukraine’s working-age individuals remain unemployed. The job market is abundant with available positions. During the initial quarter of 2026, employers presented almost 148 thousand job openings to the State Employment Service, of which slightly over 61 thousand were filled.
“In reference to international employees, this does not reflect a replacement of Ukrainians. Rather, this concerns the maintenance of business operational effectiveness,” asserts Kateryna Glazkova, executive director of the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs (UUE).
Foreign workers may be enlisted in sectors encountering a workforce deficiency. These encompass construction, industry, transport, agriculture, processing, along with skilled trades – electricians, welders, etc.
According to Kateryna Glazkova, the Security Service of Ukraine will be obliged to vet each foreign national for a period up to 90 days. Also, the expenses associated with registering and conveying a worker from foreign countries will range from 30 to 120 thousand hryvnias. This constitutes a drawn-out and needlessly costly procedure.
Moreover, individuals from other countries may simply be reluctant to reside in Ukraine due to the security environment.
“Currently, Ukraine serves as a transit locale for labor immigrants originating from abroad. Upon acquiring a residency permit, they proceed onward,” indicates Maria Abdullina, director of the OLX “Work and Services” division.
Over the ensuing years, there may be an increase in foreign nationals present in Ukraine. Individuals from abroad will be presented with job prospects for roles where Ukrainian personnel cannot be identified for the related designations. Predominantly, this encompasses demanding manual labor.
Business owners contend that Ukrainians should not harbor fears regarding migrants, given they represent an opportunity for fiscal advancement amidst wartime conditions, the departure of Ukrainians overseas, and mobilization efforts. The authorities must prepare for the influx of foreign nationals: furnish language courses, cost-effective lodging, lawful employment, and a satisfactory migration strategy.
Migrants in Ukraine: latest news
It should be noted that within Ukraine, the personnel shortages at enterprises may be alleviated by sourcing employees from Asian and African nations, notably from India, Bangladesh, and Ethiopia.
This observation was articulated by Doctor of Economic Sciences Andriy Dligach. In accordance with him, such international specialists demonstrate a readiness to work for wages that are 40% less than the typical remuneration of a Ukrainian. Presently, a satisfactory amount for foreign nationals approximates 15 thousand hryvnias (or $400).
Within their respective nations, this represents a comparatively elevated income. Sustaining oneself autonomously on such an amount in significant Ukrainian cities is almost unfeasible, hence a specialized methodology is employed for staffing purposes. Employers address the essential requirements of international personnel, providing them with sustenance and accommodations in communal residences.
Such collaboration benefits both involved parties: migrants are offered appealing employment terms, and Ukrainian businesses secure the potential to operate and flourish steadily even under circumstances of an acute deficiency of local specialists.
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