The M. Ptukha Institute for Demography and Quality of Life Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the All-Ukrainian Association of International Employment Companies and the NGO ‘Migration Policy Office’ held another discussion on a joint online platform, which is intended to become an open forum for dialogue between scientists, government officials, business representatives, civil society and educators. Its task is to promote the use of evidence-based knowledge in public policy and the development of cross-sectoral cooperation.
A special focus of the event was the research project ‘Development of Ukraine’s State Migration Policy Strategy until 2035: Labour Resource Aspect’, which is being implemented with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation. The project involves the preparation of analytical materials, public discussions and consultations with a wide range of participants. The result will be a draft strategy that integrates scientific knowledge, the positions of key stakeholders and the needs of the Ukrainian labour market.
The following were presented during the event:
- the project’s goals and main tasks;
- key areas of research and analytical activity;
- a preliminary vision of the Strategy’s overall goal, its priority objectives and tasks;
- areas of implementation, taking into account the labour resource aspect.
“Ukraine’s migration policy should be differentiated by country. Poland has more young people and women, while Germany has more men and older people. This means that the conditions for return must take into account different needs. And most importantly, our policy must not harm Ukraine’s future,” said Ella Libanova, director of the M. Ptukha Institute of Demography and Quality of Life Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
‘The aim of the project is to achieve stable demographic development and provide the economy with labour through effective migration policy. We strive to maximise migration opportunities and minimise negative consequences by creating conditions for the return of Ukrainians and attracting foreign specialists,’ emphasised Oleksiy Poznyak, head of the migration department at the Institute of Demography.
“Economic policy is the basis for migration policy. If we do not create a competitive economy and productive jobs, we will not be able to keep people in Ukraine. Only increased labour productivity and the development of the service sector will provide a real foundation for the return of our citizens,” emphasised Svitlana Kalinina, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Law at Mariupol State University (Kyiv).
“We are already facing a serious shortage of personnel. The decision to send men aged 18–22 abroad has caused an outflow of young people in 14 sectors of the economy. Businesses are looking for a way out by attracting foreigners from India and Bangladesh. We cannot overcome this on our own — there is a catastrophic shortage of people,” emphasised Dmytro Degtyar, co-founder of HRD-club.
“Ukraine must become a country where people want to live and work, rather than seeking a better life abroad. Our task is to formulate a policy that will simultaneously encourage Ukrainians to return, attract foreign specialists and preserve the labour potential for rebuilding the state. Migration policy should combine domestic priorities with international experience, take into account the needs of the labour market and the interests of citizens, and integrate the best global practices,” said Vasyl Voskoboynik, president of the All-Ukrainian Association of International Employment Companies and head of the Migration Policy Office NGO.
The research is being conducted as part of the project ‘Development of Ukraine’s State Migration Policy Strategy until 2035: Labour Resource Aspect’, funded by the International Renaissance Foundation.
This material has been prepared with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation. The material represents the views of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of the International Renaissance Foundation.
Source: Interfax-Ukraine
