About 8 million Ukrainian citizens are currently living abroad due to the war. The government is already working on programs and financial incentives aimed at encouraging their return once security conditions improve.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha made the statement during an address to the Verkhovna Rada.
According to the minister, public discussions had previously referred to around 6 million Ukrainians living abroad, but updated figures indicate that the actual number is closer to 8 million.
Sybiha stressed that bringing citizens back home is one of the country’s key strategic objectives for the coming years.
“This is truly becoming a security challenge for us,” the foreign minister said.
The Foreign Ministry notes that the prolonged absence of millions of Ukrainians affects the labor market, demographic trends and the country’s post-war recovery prospects. Ukraine is already experiencing labor shortages in a number of sectors.
According to Sybiha, the government is holding talks with European partners on mechanisms to support Ukrainians who decide to return home. Possible measures include financial assistance, travel compensation, housing support, employment assistance and adaptation programs.
As an example, Sybiha pointed to Switzerland, which has already introduced a program providing financial support for Ukrainians returning to their homeland.
At the same time, the minister acknowledged that security remains the main condition for any large-scale return. Many Ukrainians continue to stay abroad because of the risk of missile attacks, the ongoing war and uncertainty about the future.
The Foreign Ministry also notes that many Ukrainians have successfully integrated into European societies, learned local languages and found employment. As a result, some European countries are not interested in seeing large numbers of Ukrainian workers leave, as they help address labor shortages in various sectors.
According to Ukrainian officials, the return process will be gradual even after the active phase of the war ends. People’s decisions will depend on security conditions, housing availability, job opportunities, access to education and overall stability in the country.
