In 20 years, migrants could make up a third of Ukraine’s population, according to a demographer
22 July 21:45
YOUTUBE
The large-scale influx of migrant workers will not solve Ukraine’s economic problems. However, businesses facing labor shortages will benefit to some extent. This view was expressed by Oleksandr Gladun, deputy director of the Institute of Demography, in an interview with the YouTube channel "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to the demographer, the consequences of labor migration must be assessed separately for the state, businesses, and citizens. At the same time, he believes that ordinary Ukrainians will be among those who benefit the least from such a policy.
“Citizens gain absolutely nothing,” Gladun stated.
He explained that the mass influx of foreign workers increases demand for housing, which leads to higher rent prices. In addition, competition in the labor market intensifies, which holds back wage growth.
According to Gladun, the state will not see a clear benefit either. Although the number of taxpayers may increase, so too will spending on healthcare, education, social security, and law enforcement.
He noted that businesses—which are currently facing an acute labor shortage—stand to benefit the most from bringing in foreign workers.
“Businesses experiencing a shortage of workers stand to gain the most from this,” Gladun noted.
In the demographer’s view, bringing in foreign workers can be justified only for specific temporary projects, particularly during the country’s large-scale reconstruction. At the same time, he warns that a policy of permanent resettlement creates additional social and demographic risks.
According to Gladun’s estimates, if this practice becomes widespread, migrants and their families could account for up to one-third of Ukraine’s population in just 20–25 years.
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