Ukraine is preparing a new mechanism to attract foreign professionals to address labor shortages as the country enters its fifth year of resisting Russia’s full-scale invasion. Foreign nationals will be able to apply for jobs in occupations facing worker shortages, but they will first have to undergo qualification and security checks.
The initiative is outlined in a draft government resolution published by Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy and Environment.
The full-scale war has significantly affected Ukraine’s labor market. Millions of Ukrainians have fled abroad, part of the working-age population is serving in the Armed Forces, and businesses across the country are struggling to find workers.
The proposed mechanism would establish an annually updated list of occupations for which Ukraine needs foreign specialists. The specific professions have not yet been determined.
To qualify under the new procedure, foreign applicants would need to provide proof of education, professional experience, and an employment agreement or job offer from a Ukrainian employer. Applications could also be submitted through Diia, Ukraine’s government digital services platform.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Digital Transformation, and Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) would be involved in screening applicants. The SBU would assess whether individuals pose a potential threat to the country’s national security.
Applications could be rejected if documents contain false information, applicants fail to meet professional requirements, or security risks are identified.
The experimental program is proposed to operate during martial law and for three months after it ends, but for no longer than two years in total.
The initiative is currently only a draft government resolution and has not yet entered into force.
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