At the end of April, the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology conducted a large-scale survey among Ukrainian refugees on their satisfaction with life abroad and interest in the situation in Ukraine. The study showed that almost half of Ukrainians do not intend to return home. Read more about the results of sociological research on the mood of Ukrainians abroad

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According to a recent study by KIIS, 50% of refugees from Ukraine currently living in Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic do not want to return to their homeland. These countries are currently home to the largest number of Ukrainians who were forced to leave the country because of the war. According to Eurostat, 1.3 million Ukrainians temporarily reside in Germany, 952,000 in Poland, and 381,000 in the Czech Republic.

A similar large-scale study was also conducted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on returns to Ukraine in 2023. The study surveyed about 28 thousand refugees from Ukraine in 11 EU countries. The results showed that 70% of Ukrainians plan to stay in Europe and have no desire to return to their homeland.

In our previous article, we reported that the European Union has adopted a new migration and asylum pact that should reform the relevant laws in the bloc's member states.

Most Ukrainians abroad seek to obtain another citizenship

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, a large number of demographers and sociologists have predicted that most refugees would not want to return home. Ukrainians had found jobs, enrolled their children in school, and had prospects for further growth. These were the main reasons for the final change of permanent residence. 

According to a study by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, 66% of Ukrainians currently living in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic are fully satisfied with their living conditions in the new country. 7% of respondents reported that they have already managed to obtain citizenship of another country, but do not plan to give up their Ukrainian passport. 12% of respondents have already submitted the necessary documents and are waiting for a response. 34% of refugees from Ukraine do not plan to obtain citizenship of another country, and 3% of respondents have already received a refusal.

In general, respondents' answers regarding their intention to obtain citizenship of the country of temporary residence were divided as follows:

1. 45% - I have not applied for citizenship, but in general I have a desire to obtain citizenship of another country;

2. 34% - I have not applied for citizenship and do not plan to obtain citizenship of another country;

3. 12% - I have submitted documents and am waiting for a response;

4. 7% - I already have citizenship of another country;

5. 3% - Refusal.

According to a study by the International Organization for Migration in 2023, 44% of refugees from Ukraine to the EU already had a job, and 22% were actively looking for one. This also has a significant impact on future plans. The employment rate of Ukrainians increased significantly in 2023.

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Ukrainian refugees are losing contact with Motherland

Unfortunately, most Ukrainian refugees are gradually losing contact with their homeland. But KIIS Deputy Director Anton Hrushevsky comments that the loss of some citizens was absolutely expected. The only thing left to do is to work on the question of what part of the citizens will be returned.

Interest in the news and the latest events in the country's life is one of the main markers of maintaining a connection with the homeland. Respondents' answers to this question were divided as follows:

1. 56% - I continue to receive information about Ukraine from various sources

2. 34% - I do not follow the news in Ukraine

3. 10% - It is difficult to answer.

Another important issue is the intention to return to Ukraine after the war is over. The respondents were almost equally divided. Unfortunately, about 50% of Ukrainians no longer wish to return home.

Learn more about the possible reasons for the deportation of Ukrainian citizens from the European Union.

Will Ukrainians return home after the war ends?

Although we are losing contact with a large number of citizens, comparing the results with previous surveys, the number of Ukrainians planning to return home is gradually increasing. An IOM survey in 2023 showed that 70% of Ukrainians want to stay in Europe, while only 30% planned to return home. As of April 2024, this figure had already risen to 50%.

The most important factor influencing the decision to return to Ukraine was the end of the full-scale invasion. Other important factors were the normal operation of critical infrastructure and security. KIIS representatives emphasize that the 50% figure is rather an optimistic scenario.

If you are interested in the issue of migration and face any obstacles or difficulties, we recommend that you entrust this matter to professionals - Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you with the collection of documents and provide advice using an individual approach. You can get acquainted with the consultation packages here.

We remind you! The Polish government wants to introduce a new verification system that will allow to establish the location of Ukrainians and instantly suspend benefits for those who are outside the country. Read more about the innovations and when they will come into force.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can get legal advice on migration law. Our lawyers will answer all your questions and, if necessary, help you collect, submit and receive the documents you need. You can order a specialist consultation or full legal support by following this link.