Exploring Labour Integration Challenges for Ukrainians in Slovakia
Exploring Labour Integration Challenges for Ukrainians in Slovakia

Summary/Abstract: Employment plays a crucial role in the integration of individuals who have fled the war inUkraine. From both a financial and psychological standpoint, the opportunity to work is essential inpreventing dependence on welfare and fostering a sense of self-realization. Following the conflict inUkraine, over a million people have crossed the border, with many heading to the region aroundthe capital Bratislava. A large number have also chosen to stay closer to the border, making theirway to the second largest city in Slovakia, Košice. There are currently an estimated 6,000Ukrainians, primarily women, who have found residence in Košice. The aim of this research was touse qualitative methods to explore the needs and barriers in the labour market of those who cameto Košice after the outbreak of war (involuntary migrants) and those who have been working inKošice for a longer period (voluntary migrants). Three focus groups were carried out in a sample of26 respondents (Nfemale= 18, age range = 18-71 years, length of stay in Košice 1 month – 7years). Language and age barriers, limited job opportunities, discrimination and health difficultiesemerged as key themes from the discussions with the involuntary migrants. In general, languageproficiency posed a significant challenge, hindering stable employment for the participants.Discrimination and hatred were also reported, along with experiences of exploitation and dismissal.Discussions with the voluntary migrants revealed intense labour market competition, bureaucratichurdles, discrimination and a lack of information as being the key areas of concern. Enhancedsupport services at local and national levels, a well-coordinated national system of integration, aswell as raising awareness about hate crimes, discrimination and violence against women and girlsamong foreigners are crucial for facilitating the integration of Ukrainians into society. The arrival ofUkrainian migrants has shed light on pre-existing employment challenges in Košice which not onlyaffect migrants but the local population as well.

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