Ukrainian businesses are increasingly looking toward mass labor migration to fill gaps, yet existing employment conditions for foreigners remain complex and protracted. Experts argue that these procedures must be simplified and made more transparent. This was reported by Espreso, citing statements made by Dmytro Degtyar, co-founder of HRD Club Ukraine, during the discussion of the Strategy of migration policy of Ukraine until 2035, which provides for controlled immigration, reports Dengi.ua .
According to Degtyar, companies are not currently focused on high-level specialists, but rather on the mass recruitment of blue-collar workers - specifically construction workers, mechanics, and warehouse logistics personnel.
"Business is now looking toward attracting mass labor migration. We are not necessarily seeking IT specialists or top managers among these migrants; the main emphasis is on mass recruitment - builders, machinery operators, and warehouse workers," he stated.
Degtyar specified that requirements for these workers are minimal: a basic knowledge of English and a readiness for physical labor. In specific sectors, such as metallurgy, preference is given to candidates from particular countries.
However, in practice, the process of registering foreign workers remains extremely burdensome. Numerous requirements exist, including proof of the candidate's financial solvency, which Degtyar notes often ends up being higher in reality than what is officially declared.
"Official information is one thing, but in practice, the costs required for a person to be successfully employed are much higher. This is the main request to the government: if you see a staff shortage that could reach 8.6 million people. We attract young people and veterans return - those are internal resources. We still have a high outflow of people. We need to replenish this resource with foreign labor in large volumes," he emphasized. "These volumes should be regulated and distributed across industries, but we also need significant de-bureaucratization to make the process fast, automated, and understandable."
The expert also highlighted the inefficiency of the current vetting process. He argues that background checks should be conducted before a candidate departs their home country, rather than at the border. Currently, some workers are denied entry upon arrival, despite the significant costs already incurred by their employers.
He noted that the entire process can take six to nine months, and a significant percentage of candidates never actually reach employment.
"The recruitment process is not a matter of two or three weeks; it takes six to nine months. Some people make it as far as a transit border, such as Moldova, only to be weeded out by the Security Service because the check happens at that stage rather than at the start. Then, while waiting for entry documents, more money is spent and the employer grows anxious. Ultimately, only a small fraction of a large group actually secures employment," Degtyar said.
Another issue is the perception of Ukraine as a transit country. Some foreigners view the country as a temporary stop on their way to the European Union, leaving shortly after starting work and creating additional risks for businesses.
Ultimately, Degtyar advocates for transparency and the acceleration of the hiring process.
"I am in favor of transparency, the reduction of red tape, and accelerating the conditions for attracting foreigners. The process must be clear and predictable: which positions and industries need workers, where we source them from, and how we vet them while they are still abroad," he summarized.
