Ukrainian citizens who have taken refuge in the UK have found it difficult to find employment in the country. The main obstacles are problems with visas and the general crisis in the labor market. Find out more about what Ukrainians can expect in the UK

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Ukrainian refugees in the UK are increasingly facing difficulties in finding decent work due to visa problems and the labor market crisis. This was reported by Bloomberg. 

According to journalists, employers prefer candidates with a more stable situation.

Diana Kochova, head of the Ukrainian technical community in the UK, said in a comment to the publication that the overall interest in helping Ukrainians is declining.

"Everything has changed. We are no longer in the news," she emphasized.

Refugees from Ukraine cannot find decent jobs in the UK

It is known that in February 2024, the British authorities closed the program of assistance to Ukrainian families, which allowed them to reunite with relatives or extend their stay in the country. This program provided Ukrainians with the opportunity to live, work and study in the UK, as well as receive financial support for three years.

In addition, Ukrainians could take advantage of the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, which allows them to stay in the country for up to one and a half years. However, as of May 16, new applications under this scheme were suspended, with the exception of applications for children born in the UK.

Ukrainians already in the UK under one of these programs can extend their stay for another year and a half. However, according to Bloomberg, the uncertainty over visas is creating additional difficulties in finding a job. Applications from those whose visas are about to expire are considered last.

Read more about employment opportunities for Ukrainians in the UK here.

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Gideon Maltz, executive director of the Tent Partnership for Refugees, noted that employers often reject Ukrainian refugees at the application stage because of doubts about their qualifications. 

In particular, Diana Kochova added that even if applicants pass all the technical interviews, employers still prefer candidates with a more stable visa situation.

Olena Serheyeva, a lawyer with over twenty years of experience working for several Kyiv-based companies, noted: 

"It is difficult for Ukrainians to find work here, even though we are great professionals in our field. But here we have to start from the very beginning."

According to Alexander Clarkson, Lecturer in European and International Studies at King's College London, the UK government did not expect the war in Ukraine to be so protracted. 

He predicts that in the coming months and years we can expect many unpleasant stories about the difficulties faced by Ukrainian refugees.

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.

Photo: glavcom.ua/Natalia Goncharenko

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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.