On April 2, 2026, an online expert discussion titled “Return, Reintegration, and Cooperation with the Diaspora” was held in Kyiv. The event was organized by the Mykhailo Ptukha Institute of Demography and Quality of Life Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the All-Ukrainian Association of International Employment Companies, and the public organization “Office of Migration Policy,” with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation.
The discussion took place as part of the preparation of the draft Strategy for Ukraine’s State Migration Policy until 2035 (labor resource aspect), which provides for systemic solutions regarding the return of citizens, the integration of internally displaced persons, the recruitment of foreign specialists, and the improvement of migration process management. Implementing these approaches is key to Ukraine’s economic development and the preservation of its human capital.
The event aimed to develop practical solutions regarding the return of Ukrainians and effective engagement with the diaspora. Participants emphasized that return policy must be based on creating comprehensive conditions for the sustainable return of citizens and their successful reintegration into Ukrainian society and the economy.
Ella Libanova, Director of the Mykhailo Ptukha Institute of Demography and Quality of Life Research at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, delivered the keynote address. She outlined the scale of the challenges facing the state amid war and mass migration.
“This is a difficult, complex conversation, but the very existence of the Ukrainian nation depends on its outcome… We must understand that we cannot bring back all Ukrainians living abroad. Well, this is impossible for various reasons, mainly economic ones. But we must do everything we can to ensure that those who do not return become advocates for Ukrainian interests, the interests of the Ukrainian nation, and the interests of the Ukrainian state,” she emphasized.
“The reintegration of returnees involves the development of national and regional programs aimed at ensuring the safe and sustainable return of citizens from abroad, and creating conditions for their successful reintegration in their homeland… An effective model for the reintegration of Ukrainians who left the country due to the war must be aimed at sustainable return — that is, creating conditions under which people will not only come to Ukraine but will also be motivated to build their lives here in the long term,” noted Oleksiy Poznyak, head of the Migration Department at the Mykhailo Ptukha Institute of Demography and Quality of Life Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
Participants emphasized that an effective return policy is impossible without international cooperation and collaboration with the countries where Ukrainians are currently residing.
“Protecting the rights and interests of our citizens abroad, as well as preserving and promoting the Ukrainian language and culture, is one of the main priorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and our diplomatic missions abroad… Cooperation with the Ukrainian community and diaspora is one of the key elements in preserving our national identity and supporting the unity of Ukrainians around the world,” said Tetiana Kolotylova, a representative of the Division of Global Ukrainian Community within the Department of Global Ukrainian Community and Humanitarian Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Participants paid special attention to the role of trade unions in shaping return policies and ensuring decent working conditions for returning citizens.
“Trade unions should not be mere observers but full-fledged participants in the development of return policies… In fact, the issue today is that return policy should become not merely a migration policy, but first and foremost a policy of decent work, because people stay where they feel stability, security, and prospects for the future,” emphasized Yevhenii Hostiumynskyi, Acting Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine.
It was also noted that the economic model for return should be based on systemic changes in the labor market and social policy.
“The economic model for the return of Ukrainians should be based not on artificial incentives for specific groups, but on European standards of decent work and effective social dialogue… Only a level playing field, protected labor rights, and investment in human capital will ensure the economy’s competitiveness and make returning home a truly beneficial decision,” noted Anna Pugachova, head of the Department of Economic Development at the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine.
“Domestic businesses are already radically changing working conditions, realizing that financial incentives alone are insufficient to compete fully with European employers. Companies are transitioning to people-centric ecosystems, such as the MHP Recruitment Ecosystem, and actively support the entrepreneurial ambitions of young people and veterans. Notable examples include securing grants from the KSE Foundation (specifically, the $1 million “Talents for Ukraine” program for talented professionals), as well as large-scale integration with the government’s “Own Business” program, which provides thousands of microgrants for the creation and development of small businesses (over 10,600 grants in 2025). “Such practical steps create an environment in which talented workers have incentives to develop their careers right here in Ukraine,” noted Dmytro Degtyar, co-founder of HRD Club Ukraine.
Following the discussion, the participants concluded that an effective policy for the return of Ukrainians must be comprehensive, long-term, and based on a combination of economic incentives, social guarantees, international cooperation, and systematic engagement with the Ukrainian diaspora.
“The return of Ukrainians is not a one-time event, but a long-term and complex process that depends on security, economic conditions, and trust in the state. At the same time, we must work on a much broader scale—not only on repatriation, but also on maintaining ties with Ukrainians abroad and involving them in the country’s development. That is why our task today is to develop practical solutions that will be taken into account when finalizing the Strategy of Ukraine’s State Migration Policy until 2035,” concluded Vasyl Voskoboynik, President of the All-Ukrainian Association of International Employment Companies and Head of the Office of Migration Policy.
Expert discussions are ongoing as part of the project “Development of Ukraine’s State Migration Policy Strategy until 2035: Labor Resource Aspect,” funded by the International Renaissance Foundation.
This material was prepared with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Renaissance Foundation.
Source: Interfax Ukraine
