Ukrainian labour migrants have become the backbone of the Ukrainian economy contributing to some 8 % of the country’s GDP through remittances.

Almost half ( 45% ) of all emigrants leave for economic reasons. Official sources estimate that over 3 million Ukrainians work abroad on a permanent basis and 7 to 9 million temporarily. Italy, Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic) along with Russia constitute the main countries of destination.Īccording to the World Migration Report 2020, Ukraine is one of the top countries of origin of international migrants following India, Mexico, China, Russia, Syria, Bangladesh and Pakistan. CIS countries (Moldova, Belarus and Russia), along with Turkey and India, constitute the top countries of origin of immigrants.

Most flows are regional, between Ukraine and neighbouring CIS countries to the East as well as EU Member States to the West. While the net migration rate has been positive since 2005, the population continues to decline, mostly due to natural decrease, and ages rapidly.Īccording to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the outflow in 2020 amounted to 19,121 and the inflow to 26,361 persons. Various factors have influenced the national migration situation: the population decline by ten million people since 1993, socio-economic development, labour market situation, visa liberalization with the EU, the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. In migration terms, Ukraine is a country of origin, transit and destination.

Ukraine 2020