New EMN-OECD inform explores labour market integration of beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine

The massive inflow of people fleeing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine triggered significant migration to the EU. Eurostat data indicates that by November 2023, over 4.27 million non-EU citizens who fled Ukraine due to the 2022 Russian invasion were under temporary protection in the EU - with Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic hosting approximately 60% of these individuals. Individuals from Ukraine constituted the majority of beneficiaries of temporary protection, with adult women forming a significant portion. Various EU initiatives were implemented to provide protection and aid integration, including the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) and the EU Skills Profile Tool. While measures such as simplified entry requirements and skills validation were introduced, challenges remain, including skill and job mismatches. Moreover, comparable EU-wide data on labour market integration is limited. This inform emphasises understanding the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of displaced persons, analysing existing data on labour market integration, and mapping policies and measures across EMN Member and Observer Countries to facilitate integration. 

Measures aiming to facilitate the transition of beneficiaries from social welfare to financial independence (‘bridging measures’) are highlighted, with attention also given to measures supporting beneficiaries who are not able to cover their basic needs with their income. 

Despite the challenges posed by data collection methodologies, efforts are underway to gather comprehensive information on beneficiaries of temporary protection employment outcomes. The top five sectors employing beneficiaries of temporary protection include accommodation and food service, administrative and support service activities, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, and construction. Data from EMN Member and Observer Countries highlights the high level of educational attainment among beneficiaries of temporary protection, with over 60% having completed tertiary education in some countries. Nevertheless, significant mismatches exist between their education and/or prior employment in Ukraine and their current employment in host countries, often in low-skilled occupations. Challenges such as qualification recognition, language barriers, and uncertainty regarding stay duration contribute to these outcomes. Despite these challenges, early labour market integration of beneficiaries of temporary protection has shown promising trends, with some countries reporting employment rates exceeding 50%. 

While common themes such as immediate access to the labour market and promoting self-sufficiency prevail, tailored support and sector-specific approaches underscore the need for flexibility. Language acquisition and qualification alignment emerge as crucial components for integration. Various strategies such as individual counselling, one-stop-shop services, and sector-specific initiatives aim to facilitate labour market integration. Ongoing efforts also include awareness campaigns, and collaborative endeavours and partnerships between private, non-profit/civil society and public organisations. 

Host countries are implementing measures to aid those under temporary protection in moving from joblessness to financial independence, defined as bridging measures. While most offer broad support, targeted help for employed beneficiaries who find it difficult to meet basic needs is often missing. In the majority of host countries, involvement in the labour market integration efforts is voluntary.

Download the inform here