Decline in foreign workers in Ukraine: A look at the numbers

Decline in foreign workers in Ukraine: A look at the numbers

The war in Ukraine has drastically changed the conditions on the labor market. A significant decline in the number of foreign workers is the result of these developments. Loud visitukraine.today the state employment agency shows alarming statistics on the issuing of work permits in recent years. While 21,786 work permits were issued in 2021, the number fell to just 6,279 in 2022 and reached a new low in 2023 with only 4,530 permits issued. A slight increase to 6,127 work permits was recorded in 2024, while only 1,728 permits were issued in the first quarter of 2025.

The number of applications from employers for work permits has also fallen significantly. In 2021, 19,585 applications were registered, whereas this figure fell to 3,288 in 2022 and further to 3,071 in 2023. There were 2,773 applications in 2024, and only 953 applications were filed in the first quarter of 2025.

Reasons for the decline in foreign workers

The reasons for this decline are complex. A key cause is the deterioration of the economic situation in Ukraine, which is exacerbated by the ongoing war conditions. In addition, migration and the adaptation of labor markets to new circumstances are additional factors. The unstable situation in the country and the associated restrictions on companies have severely affected international cooperation. This has a negative impact on the willingness of foreign specialists to work in Ukraine.

Nevertheless, the Ukrainian government sees a need for action and is actively working on the integration of international skilled workers. The need for foreign specialists is estimated to be particularly high in the IT, engineering and military industries. A Intermarium report highlights that Ukraine is focusing on the area of ​​post-war reconstruction and economic modernization. In this context, the role of foreign skilled workers in the labor market is increasing.

Requirements and procedures

Despite the reduction in the number of foreign workers, the complexity and regulation of the process for obtaining a work permit remains. The regulations include, among others, the Law “On Employment of the Population” and the Law “On the Legal Status of Foreigners”. Employers must act as registered Ukrainian legal entities and meet the necessary salary and deadline conditions to obtain approval.

The cost of work permits varies depending on the duration:

The employment of foreign skilled workers therefore remains a central point for combating labor shortages and recruiting international talent. However, this requires strict compliance with applicable employment and immigration regulations. Employers remain subject to legal and financial obligations, which can result in large fines if they fail to comply.

In summary, the future development of the labor market in Ukraine will be closely linked to the return and integration of foreign employees. The adjustments and simplifications in the process for obtaining work permits are steps in this direction in order to meet the challenges of the labor market.