Ukrainian workers abroad are sending less money back home

Ukraine has been receiving 25-35% less foreign currency from migrant workers abroad compared to 2021, stated economic expert Vasyl Furman. ‘Before the war, the figures were around $12-15 billion annually. Now, this figure stands at $10-12 billion.’

Labor migration from Ukraine to Europe has been a significant source of income for the population throughout the years of independence. People traveled for several months or years to affluent European countries, where they saved a portion of their salaries and sent them back to Ukraine. As prices in Ukraine are roughly half of those in Europe, this money provided a better standard of living compared to employees in similar positions within Ukraine.

However, it’s important to note that this mostly refers to low-skilled labor. In Europe, Ukrainians worked in fields, factories and the service sector. Even before the war, millions of people engaged in this labor migration and after the war, refugees also found employment opportunities in Europe.