Kyiv Outright Rejects Obligation to Repatriate Ukrainian Refugees, Yet Promotes Voluntary Return
In the midst of the ongoing fourth-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine, numerous Ukrainian refugees have found refuge in Europe. Kyiv is pondering ways to encourage these refugees to rejoin their homeland.
Initially planned for a three-year term, the temporary protection mechanism for refugees has been extended to a span of five years, ending in March 2027. It appears that the longer individuals stay abroad, the more challenging it becomes to bring them back home, according to Oleksiy Chernyshov, Ukraine's vice-prime minister who now heads the newly-established Ministry for National Unity. His role involves establishing ties with Ukrainians abroad and inspiring them to return home, as they become increasingly assimilated into other countries.
"As the war continues, the more integrated Ukrainians become in foreign lands," noted Chernyshov. "We want to maintain ties with Ukrainians. We want to tell them that everyone is equally important to Ukraine. We need your contribution — whether it's material or emotional."
The Ukrainian government aims to accomplish this by liaising with the so-called "Unity Hubs" opened abroad. These multi-purpose spaces offer services such as legal, psychological, educational, cultural, and support services to facilitate integration into the European Union, while also inspiring a voluntary return to Ukraine in peace time.
Chernyshov acknowledges that the primary factor influencing the return of immigrants will be the war. "Ukrainians didn't move seeking a better life. They were escaping from the war, and we must never forget that."
Ukrainians have made a considerable impact on the European labor market since the massive relocation in 2022. They are hardworking, professional, intelligent, and highly educated. The exact number of refugee employment rates in Europe remains unrecorded, as figures vary from country to country. According to reports, however, Ukrainians have had a quicker integration into the labor market than other refugee groups[4].
Chernyshov believes that Ukrainians who have gained professional experience abroad will ultimately utilize it once they return home. Economic development and reforms will contribute to this as well, making it more appealing for people to go back after the war is over. However, peaceful conditions remain crucial, as Ukraine's prosperity and growth hinge on stable peace.
The European Commission has appointed a special envoy for Ukrainians in the EU to offer better information on transitioning to a different legal status and pave the way for the gradual return and re-integration in Ukraine[2]. Numerous Ukrainians wish to return home, as evidenced by the mass return to cities like Kyiv after the Ukrainian army pushed back Russian forces in 2022.
No forced return measures will be implemented, asserts Chernyshov: "We cannot force anybody to come back. This is impossible." The motivation to return home must come from a successful and loved Ukraine. No coercive tactics will be employed, as only peaceful incentives will be offered.
Ukraine seeks to motivate its refugees with administrative and economic incentives but acknowledges that as long as Ukrainian cities continue to be targeted, it will be difficult to convince people to return. Consequently, the decision to return will ultimately depend on whether Moscow terminates its aggression against Ukraine.
Interconnected Insights:
- Ukrainians are a valuable asset to the European labor market.
- The creation of Unity Hubs aims to aid, integrate, and encourage Ukrainian refugees to return to Ukraine.
- The prolonged conflict makes it increasingly difficult for refugees to return, as they become more integrated into their host countries.
- Chernyshov notes that short-term protection measures have been extended for 5 years. This stability will hopefully help refugees plan their lives, including preparing for a potential return to Ukraine.
- More information on transitioning from temporary protection to a different status will be provided by the EU's special envoy, to help facilitate refuges returning and reintegrating into Ukraine.
- As the Ukrainian government works to establish ties with Ukrainians abroad, they plan to utilize policy-and-legislation, such as the extension of temporary protection mechanisms, to encourage refugees to return home.
- In order to facilitate the return of Ukrainian refugees, the government is establishing Unity Hubs abroad, offering services like legal, educational, and cultural support, along with political initiatives like peaceful incentives for a voluntary return to Ukraine.
