Labor migration during the war: figures released on the number of foreign workers in Ukraine
28 May 10:12
In 2025, the largest number of migrant workers arrived in Ukraine from Turkey. Citizens of that country currently top the list of foreigners coming to Ukraine for employment.
This was reported by the head of the State Migration Service of Ukraine, Natalia Naumenko, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
The State Migration Service also refuted information circulating on social media about an alleged mass influx of workers from India and Bangladesh. According to the agency, the scale of labor migration to Ukraine remains significantly smaller than it was before the start of the full-scale war.
Which country has the most labor migrants in Ukraine
According to Natalia Naumenko, in 2025, the largest number of foreigners who came to Ukraine to work were citizens of Turkey.
Turkey was the country from which the largest number of labor migrants arrived in Ukraine. At the same time, the State Migration Service emphasizes that claims of a mass influx of workers from India or Bangladesh do not correspond to actual statistics.
In addition to Turkey, citizens of other countries also received work permits in Ukraine.
Among them:
- India;
- Uzbekistan;
- Azerbaijan;
- China;
- Pakistan;
- United Kingdom;
- the United States.
The State Migration Service notes that foreign workers are primarily recruited to Ukraine by private businesses. At the same time, these processes undergo appropriate checks and are coordinated with law enforcement agencies, in particular with the Security Service of Ukraine.
Are workers from Bangladesh really coming to Ukraine en masse?
Separately, the State Migration Service commented on reports of an alleged mass influx of workers from Bangladesh. According to Natalia Naumenko, a wave of such reports began following an incident in Zakarpattia.
It concerned a company in Tyachiv that was considering the possibility of employing 160 Bangladeshi citizens. However, in reality, these workers were never brought to Ukraine. The recruitment process was canceled a few months later.
Therefore, the Migration Service emphasizes: there is no basis for talking about a mass influx of workers from Bangladesh.
How many foreigners have received work permits
Despite isolated reports of foreign workers, the scale of labor migration to Ukraine remains significantly lower than it was before the full-scale invasion.
According to the State Migration Service, in 2025, approximately 4,900 foreigners obtained temporary residence permits for employment purposes.
By comparison, there were approximately 13,000 such permits in 2021.
This indicates that during the war, the number of foreigners coming to Ukraine to work has significantly decreased.
How many foreigners are currently residing temporarily in Ukraine
The State Migration Service reported that approximately 48,000 foreigners are currently residing temporarily in Ukraine.
Before the full-scale invasion began, there were nearly 189,000.
In other words, the number of foreigners legally residing in Ukraine has decreased by nearly four times. This is attributed to the war, security risks, the economic situation, and changes in the labor market.
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Who is hiring foreign workers
The State Migration Service emphasizes that foreign labor is recruited exclusively by private businesses. The state does not organize the mass importation of workers from other countries.
Companies may seek workers abroad if they have staffing needs. However, the hiring of such workers takes place within the framework of existing procedures and following appropriate checks.
Migration policy issues are also coordinated with law enforcement agencies, particularly the SBU.
Why the topic of labor migrants sparks debate
The issue of labor migration to Ukraine has become sensitive against the backdrop of the war, the demographic crisis, and labor shortages in certain sectors.
On the one hand, Ukrainian businesses may need workers, especially in manufacturing, construction, logistics, the agricultural sector, and service industries.
On the other hand, there are growing concerns in society about the mass influx of foreign workers, although official statistics do not currently confirm such large-scale migration.
That is why the State Migration Service emphasizes the importance of verified information and refutes rumors about an uncontrolled influx of migrants.
How many Ukrainians are abroad
Separately, the State Migration Service reported that there are currently about 8 million Ukrainians abroad.
Ukrainian authorities are counting on their return after the war ends. At the same time, multiple citizenship is being considered as one of the mechanisms for maintaining ties with the state.
For Ukraine, this issue is of strategic importance, as after the war the country will need human resources to rebuild its economy, businesses, infrastructure, and communities.
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