Permission to Leave for 18-22 Year Olds: Demographer Explained the Real Reason Behind the Decision.

Youth Emigration: Social Justice or Mobilization Potential?

According to ТСН: The permission for young people aged 18-22 to leave has been an attempt to achieve social justice, and according to the director of the Institute of Demography of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Ella Libanova, it will not have a significant impact on mobilization potential.

“I do not understand the logic of this decision (to allow 18-22 year olds to leave the country — Ed.). But I understand where it came from. This was more likely a desire to adhere to certain social justice. Everyone has their own. Did this affect the mobilization potential — I think not. There are enough opportunities to avoid mobilization in Ukraine — let’s speak frankly about this. Not everyone who should be in the army is there,” says the demographer.

Ella Libanova also noted that border crossing statistics do not indicate a significant increase in the number of young men who left due to this decision. There are also no signs of mass returns.

Recall that on August 26, the government allowed men aged 18 to 22 to travel abroad. The Minister of Internal Affairs Klimentko explained the reasons for this decision.

Ukrainian businesses are also reporting layoffs among men aged 18-22 who are allowed to travel abroad. Students are taking academic leave and going abroad.

This decision has sparked mixed reactions in society. On one hand, young Ukrainians have received new opportunities for education and work abroad. On the other hand, the issues of mobilization and ensuring national security remain relevant. We will observe how these changes will affect the country in the near future.