EMN rapport: Labour migration of beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine (external website) (2024)

Executive summary:

The report shows a notable increase in the total number of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BoTP) employed between September 2022 and 2023. However, those employment rates vary across countries; at the end of 2023, the highest employment rates were observed in Lithuania, the Netherlands, Estonia, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Spain and Ireland.

In September 2023, across host countries, BoTP were primarily employed in: accommodation and food service, administrative and support service activities, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade and construction.

These sectors may not necessarily align with the prior expertise or educational profiles of BoTP, indicating potential skills mismatches.

Data indicate that a large proportion of BoTP have a high level of educational attainment (some host countries report that more than 60% have completed tertiary education). However, their current employment in host countries does not always correspond to their level of education and prior experience.

Host countries demonstrate varied policies, strategies and priorities in addressing labour market integration for BoTP, while emphasising common themes such as immediate labour market access and self-sufficiency.

The majority of host countries report targeted measures and practices to facilitate employment of BoTP in roles that align with their competencies. These focus primarily on qualification recognition, language acquisition, and specific sectors, with some specifically targeting women.

Host countries report measures to assist BoTP to transition from unemployment to economic self-sufficiency (so-called bridging measures). Most report general and mainstream support measures, but do not provide targeted assistance for employed BoTP who struggle to meet their basic needs.

Addressing language barriers and qualification mismatches are central elements in facilitating effective labour market integration.