Ukraine to Revise List of Countries Posed a Migration Risk: What Will Change for Foreigners and Businesses

Ukraine plans to revise the list of countries posed a migration risk, which will affect the employment of foreigners. Find out what changes are in the works, who they will affect, and how this will impact businesses and migration procedures

Take care of reliable insurance for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

BUY

Ukraine is preparing to change its approach to compiling the list of so-called “migration risk” countries. This decision could affect both foreigners planning to work in Ukraine and businesses facing labor shortages. Kirill Budanov, Head of the Office of the President, announced this during a meeting at the CEO Club, according to Delo.ua.

The list of migration risk countries is an official list of states whose citizens undergo additional checks when applying for visas and residence permits in Ukraine. The list is approved by a joint order of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Security Service of Ukraine. Currently, it includes about 70 countries, mainly from Asia and Africa, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Pakistan.

What is known about the review of the list of countries posing a migration risk?

According to Budanov, the issue of revising the list has already been elevated to the level of government decisions. Approximately 2–3 weeks ago, a meeting was held regarding cooperation with African countries, following which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Security Service of Ukraine were instructed to promptly work out the changes.

It is expected that the criteria for compiling the list may be partially relaxed in the near future. This means that for citizens of certain countries, the procedure for obtaining visas and residence permits may become simpler and faster.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Why is the business community pushing for changes?

The initiative to revise the list is directly linked to the labor shortage in Ukraine. This issue was raised during the meeting by Artem Nikishov, an entrepreneur in the recruitment sector. According to him, the current system for legalizing foreigners in Ukraine is significantly more complex than in neighboring countries:

● processing costs are four times higher than in Poland;

● processing times are approximately three times longer;

● the process is complicated by checks from consulates and law enforcement agencies.

As a result, fully legalizing a single foreign worker can cost around 40,000 hryvnias, including all associated expenses.

Why does the government maintain strict control?

At the same time, the government is in no hurry to fully simplify the rules. According to Budanov, the strict requirements are partly due to the risks of illegal migration. In particular, there are documented cases where foreigners:

● obtain documents in Ukraine;

● leave their employers;

● use the country as a transit point for further relocation to the EU.

It is precisely these factors that compel the state to maintain a balance between labor market openness and security.

If the decision to revise the list is implemented, it could mean shorter processing times for documents, simplified procedures for certain countries, and expanded opportunities for formal employment in Ukraine.

At the same time, even with simplified procedures, it is important for foreigners to prepare all documents in advance, including health insurance. In particular, having an insurance policy is mandatory upon entry into Ukraine, and it is convenient to obtain health insurance covering war risks online via Visit Ukraine — this helps avoid delays at the border.

We remind you! Ukraine is changing its approach to the legal status of foreigners serving in the military, removing key bureaucratic restrictions. The new rules are designed to simplify access to documents, public services, and social guarantees for foreign military personnel and stateless persons. Read more about the new law, the conditions for legalizing residence, and its practical significance.

Photo: kanpvl07 / Freepik

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

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.