Ukraine is facing a pressing issue of labor shortages in the job market, particularly in the transport, construction, and manufacturing sectors. According to Vasyl Voskoboynyk, head of the Migration Policy Office, the country has the potential to become attractive to labor migrants from regions where the economic situation is more challenging and employment opportunities are limited. This specifically refers to Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Southeast Asia. In these areas, salaries are significantly lower, and finding a job is more difficult.
This is reported by Business • Media
Prospects for Attracting Foreign Workers
Voskoboynyk noted that to attract labor migrants, a new migration strategy needs to be developed, aimed at inviting foreign specialists from countries with lower living standards or limited employment opportunities. Additionally, Ukraine could be appealing to those who have lost their jobs in European Union countries due to downsizing, as well as to refugees from countries affected by armed conflicts.
However, this does not mean that attracting foreign workers is impossible. We can be attractive to workers from countries with lower living standards or limited legal employment opportunities. But for this, a new migration strategy focused on attracting labor resources from other countries is necessary
The Role of Internal Migration and Retraining
According to the expert, part of the staffing issues can be resolved through effective internal migration and the involvement of individuals who are currently not participating in the country’s economic life. It is important to implement effective retraining and reskilling programs, which will allow for the attraction of additional labor and fill vacancies in the most deficient sectors.
Currently, according to data from the Association of Private Employers, the highest demand in Ukraine is observed for workers in the transport sector, construction, and manufacturing. A comprehensive approach involving both internal and external labor resources could be the key to solving the labor shortage problem in the future.