Ukraine is trying to return refugees to their homeland, promising them jobs in defence and protection from mobilisation: details

The Ukrainian government notes a ‘catastrophic’ outflow of citizens due to the war. This is also affecting the country's defence industry, which is experiencing a shortage of personnel. Find out how Ukraine plans to bring back specialists and what they are promised
The Ukrainian government is taking active steps to bring back citizens abroad by offering jobs in strategically important sectors of the economy. At a press conference in Warsaw, Ukraine's Minister of National Unity Oleksiy Chernyshov said that the country is ready to offer jobs at defence companies with a guarantee of reservation from mobilisation. This step is aimed at addressing the shortage of specialists in critical industries.
Critical situation with population outflow
Chernyshov stressed that due to the war and other objective reasons, the outflow of population is ‘catastrophic’. According to the minister, about 32 million people currently live in Ukraine, while another 25-30 million Ukrainians are outside the country. These statistics include emigrants of all waves since the first years of Ukraine's independence.
The minister stressed that the return of citizens would be voluntary: ‘Ukrainians will make the decision to return home personally, without coercion.’
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Defence as the key to return
Ukraine is experiencing an acute shortage of qualified specialists, especially in the defence and military-industrial sectors. That is why the government is ready to provide reservations from mobilisation for those who agree to work in these areas.
Chernyshov said that the Ministry of National Unity plans to set up job centres both in Ukraine and abroad. These centres will help Ukrainians find jobs and provide information about professional opportunities in the country.
‘Ukrainian men want to be useful. If they are not ready to serve in the army, they can offer themselves as professionals. There is a certain mechanism for this, you just need to use it,’ the minister said.
Other initiatives
To support compatriots abroad, the Ministry of National Unity is initiating the creation of an agency that will open departments in countries with the largest number of Ukrainians. These departments will be responsible for employment, providing information and coordinating interaction with the Ukrainian diaspora.
At the same time, Chernyshov clarified that the issues of internally displaced persons and the occupied territories are outside the competence of his agency. These issues are the responsibility of the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine.
We remind you! The Ukrainian government has announced the launch of a pilot project to return refugees from abroad.
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