Ukraine Needs Highly Skilled Professionals, Not Just Any Migrants, Says Minister Zholnovych.

Ukraine’s Migration Policy Under the Microscope

According to Espreso.tv: Oksana Zholnovych, Ukraine’s Minister of Social Policy, has weighed in on the country’s migration strategy, stressing that attracting top-tier specialists is essential for economic growth. She made it clear that Ukraine is looking for more than just manual laborers—it needs entrepreneurs and experts who can drive innovation and prosperity.

Where Are Migrants Coming From?

Based on 2023 data, the largest numbers of foreign workers invited to Ukraine came from:

• India (365)
• Turkey (308)
• Uzbekistan (252)

Other notable countries of origin include:

• Azerbaijan (169)
• Pakistan (149)
• China (116)
• Colombia (108)
• Bangladesh (104)

Moldova and Armenia each sent around 70–75 people, while the United Kingdom contributed between 55 and 68 individuals.

“Above all, we need highly qualified specialists and entrepreneurs who can help grow the economy,” said Oksana Zholnovych.

The minister also remarked that “migrants are not evil” and that “we must understand that migrants can be either a problem or a springboard for development.” Her comments highlight the need for a migration policy that adapts to modern challenges and seizes the opportunities that foreign talent can bring.

On May 14, 2023, videos of labor migrants from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh began circulating on social media, reflecting growing public interest in the issue. Bringing in foreign professionals could be a key factor in boosting Ukraine’s economic competitiveness on the global stage.

Given the current economic hurdles Ukraine faces, integrating highly skilled migrants may prove vital for recovery and long-term growth. The significant role that foreign entrepreneurs and experts can play underscores the urgency of creating welcoming conditions for their integration into Ukrainian society. Reducing migration barriers and fostering a positive image of migrants could yield substantial economic benefits for the country.