After the start of the full-scale invasion, about 6.5 million Ukrainians were forced to go abroad. EU countries have provided shelter and temporary protection to refugees. This status allowed citizens not only to stay legally outside Ukraine, but also gave them the right to work. However, even in such conditions, Ukrainians often face certain challenges, in particular, the peculiarities of local legislation when obtaining work permits.

We will discuss the specifics of employment of Ukrainians with temporary protection in 2024 in various EU countries below.

Netherlands

Every citizen of Ukraine who is covered by the Temporary Protection Directive can work in the Netherlands without the need to issue a work permit. However, in 2024, the country's government plans to change the conditions for Ukrainians. In particular, refugees officially employed in the Netherlands will soon pay a personal contribution of almost 350 euros for water, gas, electricity and food.

Currently, more than 55% of Ukrainians with temporary protection work in the Netherlands. Industries that are open to workers without knowledge of the language are mainly agriculture (work in fields and greenhouses), food industry (work at meat processing plants), in warehouses. Such vacancies usually pay the minimum hourly rate (from 2024 – 13.27 euros).

Germany

In 2024, the German government will introduce the Job Turbo program, which is aimed at the fastest and longest possible integration of Ukrainians into the labor market. From now on, it will be possible to get a job immediately after acquiring basic language skills.

Also, this initiative includes several important changes in the work of employment centers:

- Ukrainians will have the opportunity to learn the language directly at the workplace, and not by attending separate language courses. Previously, the financing of training at B2 level and above was carried out by employment centers, now this aspect is transferred to employers.

- Job searches for Ukrainians will now take place simultaneously with courses. If a person finds a job, he will be able to attend courses in his free time.

- Now the main reason for refusing a job can only be health issues, and qualifications and personal wishes regarding work lose their relevance.

- According to the new program of visits to the employment center, a consultation visit should take place every six weeks.

Also, Germany is additionally developing a draft law on reducing benefits for the unemployed who refuse job offers without valid reasons.

Currently, only 170,000 out of 840,000 Ukrainians with temporary protection work in Germany. Without knowledge of the German language and experience, Ukrainians can find employment in Germany in production or in the field of logistics (warehouses). Refugees can usually count on minimum hourly wages for simple manual work.

Switzerland

Switzerland decided to ease the employment procedure for Ukrainians. In particular, the country plans to abolish the mandatory work permit issued by local authorities. After all, such a requirement has become one of the obstacles to entering the labor market for the majority of Ukrainians. Currently, only 20% of refugees with the special migration status "S" work in the state.

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Poland

Ukrainians who have received the status of temporary protection in Poland have the right to work in the country without the need to obtain additional permits. However, please note that starting from July 1, 2024, the employment of Ukrainian citizens who arrived in Poland in the period from February 24, 2022 in connection with military operations in Ukraine can be legalized only on the basis of a notice of employment of a Ukrainian citizen (powiadomienia o podjęciu pracy przez obywatela Ukrainy).

The largest number of vacancies for Ukrainians without the requirement to know the Polish language and without experience are offered in the field of logistics (work with assembly and packaging of parcels in clothing warehouses and food warehouses). Also - at enterprises of the food and processing industry.

The average salary for such a job is 4,000-5,500 zlotys per hand (37.2-51 thousand UAH).

Romania

One of the most loyal conditions for the employment of Ukrainians is currently in Romania. In addition to the fact that a temporary protection status is sufficient for working in the state, the country introduced even simpler requirements - Ukrainians can get a job in Romania on the basis of a biometric passport and work for three months without registering a temporary protection status. They can then apply for a residence permit based on the availability of work. With such simple legalization rules, Romania seeks to compete with other European countries for Ukrainian workers.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic allows Ukrainians who have received temporary protection status to work officially without the need to obtain additional work permits. That is, a Ukrainian can enter into an employment agreement with any employer.

Refugees are offered jobs in logistics warehouses and car factories, as well as in the service sector. The salary for vacancies without knowledge of the language and experience is 20-25 thousand Czech crowns per hand (800-1000 euros, or 32.8-41 thousand UAH).

United Kingdom

Currently, only 56% of Ukrainians have been able to find employment in Great Britain, but in 2024, working conditions in this country have significantly worsened. The advantage is that refugees who came to the country under the temporary protection program automatically get the right to work.

Refugees who have not been able to find work are entitled to universal credit to pay for their personal living expenses. However, only low-income Ukrainians or those who cannot find a job can receive the payment.

Denmark

One of the best employment situations for Ukrainians in 2024 in Denmark. Currently, 78% of refugees work in the state. The main reason for such a high indicator is that at the beginning of the war, the country introduced the Jobguide Ukraine program, when suitable specialists were employed on vacancies for which there was sufficient knowledge of the English language, and Danish language classes were held after work.

The country has also simplified the requirements for documents, for a Ukrainian to work in Denmark it is enough to have the status of temporary protection, no additional documents are required.

Therefore, the labor market of each of the EU countries is special, some simplify the requirements for our fellow citizens, other states, on the contrary, introduce additional requirements. Therefore, when planning employment in the EU on the basis of temporary protection, it is important to study the legislation of the chosen country in detail and analyze employment prospects.

It is worth noting that in each of these countries, Ukrainians can not only successfully find a job, but also receive a tax refund. This is a procedure for returning money that was overpaid in taxes to the government of the host country. This usually happens when employers withhold too much money from an employee's salary or pay a fixed amount per month for each employee that is higher than the actual amount.

To find out whether there is an overpayment and how much can be refunded, the employee needs to file a tax return. This will allow you to refund overpaid taxes and receive additional social benefits, such as child benefits. Ukrainians can file such a declaration on their own, but to do so, they need to be fluent in the language of the host country and know the legislation. That's why one of the easiest solutions is to turn to tax experts. One of the most experienced in this area is RT TAX, a company that has helped more than 250,000 employees from around the world to get their taxes back. And the main advantage is that the company does not take upfront payments - you pay a percentage for services only if you successfully refund your tax. So, keep in touch and get your legitimate money back with RT TAX experts.

Please note! In 2024, more and more Ukrainians are looking for employment opportunities abroad. However, this process can be complex and confusing due to many legal nuances, changing legislation, document requirements and language barriers. Complex consultation from professionals will help to simplify the move. Visit Ukraine specialists will provide full and detailed support at any stage of employment abroad. You can learn more about the services in this article. Contact a specialist using this link.

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

In order to organize a trip, ensure a safe move and successful employment in a new country, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations when traveling abroad.

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