War, trauma, and children: why employment among Ukrainian women in Germany remains low
18 February 15:29
Three and a half years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, about 50% of Ukrainians who arrived in Germany in the first six months of the war have jobs.
This was reported by Deutsche Welle, citing a joint analysis by the Labor Market Research Institute of the Federal Employment Agency and the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees of Germany, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Faster than before
The employment rate among Ukrainians turned out to be higher than among migrants from previous waves. For comparison: it took refugees who arrived in Germany in 2015 about six years to reach the same level of employment. Ukrainians did it almost two and a half years faster.
Researchers explain the difference by several factors:
- the high level of education of Ukrainian refugees;
- the absence of a mandatory lengthy asylum procedure;
- the possibility of finding employment immediately upon arrival.
Why 50% is still not enough
Despite relatively rapid integration, the employment rate among Ukrainians remains below the German average. In June 2025, it stood at around 68%.
Experts attribute this gap to the consequences of war and forced migration:
- psychological trauma;
- prolonged uncertainty about the future;
- difficulties with language and professional adaptation.
Gender factor and childcare
The structure of Ukrainian migration plays a special role. A significant proportion of refugees are women with children who left without their partners due to restrictions on the departure of men of conscription age from Ukraine.
This has a direct impact on employment. In September 2025, only 21% of Ukrainian women raising children under the age of three on their own had a job. Limited access to kindergartens and the need to combine childcare with work often force them to choose part-time employment or postpone entering the labor market altogether.
There are jobs, but not enough income
Even among those who work, a significant proportion of households continue to receive state support (Bürgergeld).
In the first half of 2025:
- 41% of employed Ukrainians lived in families that received additional payments;
- the highest rates were in households with children.
This is explained by the low number of hours worked, entry-level positions in the labor market, and incomplete recognition of qualifications.
How it was calculated
The analysis is based on:
- a survey and social insurance data of 1,943 women and 803 men;
- age group — 18–64 years;
- arrival period — February 24 to August 31, 2022;
- employment as of September 30, 2025.
What this means for Ukraine
The issue of Ukrainians working abroad is closely linked to demographic and economic forecasts.
The National Bank of Ukraine expects that:
- in 2026, the net outflow of migrants from Ukraine will be about 200,000 people;
- net return may begin no earlier than 2027 — approximately 100,000 people.
These estimates mean that the integration of Ukrainians in EU countries, particularly Germany, will remain a key factor for both European labor markets and Ukraine’s future recovery.
