Liudmyla Chudyjovych used to work as a lawyer in Ukraine and big plans for The future. That was before the Russians invasion Force 41-year- old woman to put it daughter’s safety firstleaving her job and home behind.
Since he fled the city of String in Western Ukraine in May, Chudyjovych has found a new profession in Czech Republic. But instead of Practice the law, she had to settle down for work As a housekeeper in a hotel in The capital is Prague.
“that it just different stage of She said. “That’s simply how he is.”
One of The millions of refugees who They fled Ukraine since February 24 Russian invasionChudejovic considers herself lucky to get a job at all. Not fluent enough in Whether Czech or English, Chudyjovych said she wouldn’t mind work As long as she and her daughter Safe.
Although the European Union introduced regulations early in war to make it easier for Ukrainian refugees for live And the work in The 27 member states as they decide whether to seek asylum or return homeMany are only now starting to find jobs – and many still are struggling.
About 6.5 million Ukrainians have entered the European Union since February, according to Frontex, the European Union’s border and coastguard agency, and they are flocking to neighboring countries. countries Before it moves too much on to me more prosperous countries in the West. Around half They have since returned to Ukraine.
only relatively small number of those who I still work in the European Union market By mid-June, according to the European Commission.
modern organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report examining the potential impact of Ukrainian refugees on The EU workforce you expected to be around twice Flow volume 2014-2017 of refugees, including many fleeing war in Syria.
The study estimated the Czech Republic, which has the lowest unemployment rate rate in Europe, will add Most Ukrainians for their workforce by the end of the year and with a plus of 2.2%, followed by Poland and Estonia. It will be about 1.2 million workers added For the European workforce in general in said the report.
However, this flow is unlikely to happen drive down wages or an increase in unemployment in European countriesmany of Which face due to lack of labor in part of its elderly population.
Taking into account the needs of the business of The main Host countriesnegative effect in terms of work or wages for the resident population … seems highly improbable,” the report concluded.
EU efforts to help Ukrainians have won Praise from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other human rights groups dealing with with immigration. but they also Notice a big difference in treatment of people Flee from war or poverty in Middle East, Africa or Asia, who They often have to wait years before overcoming obstacles for Obtaining residency papers or work allow.
Still, there are many challenges Before for Ukrainian refugees are looking for work.
In addition to language Barriers, skilled workers from Ukraine often lack documents prove Their professional credentials for a better paid job. Their certificates may not be recognized in their host countrieswhich means that many should take it language and training courses before they can search for career opportunities.
Because men between ages of 18 and 60 are banned from leaving Ukraine, and many refugees are banned women with childrenwhich can be an additional hurdle in trying to find work. many women They still weigh options He may decide to return home for The start of The school year in September, officials say, although the war is far from that over.
In Poland taken in About a million Ukrainian refugees, more from any other country in the European Union, just over The third has found workAccording to the Poles minister of work and social policyMarlina Malaj. Some got jobs as nurses or Ukrainians language teachers in Polish schools, while others work as housemaids or waitresses.
In Portugal, some of The largest companies in the country special for employment programs for While the Ukrainian Institute for Offers free Portuguese job placement and vocational training language layers.
in Germany about half of About 900,000 Ukrainian refugees have been registered with The country’s recruitment agency, although there are no figures available on how really a lot found Careers. Mediendienst group integration that tracks immigration in Germany, says Around half Have college degrees, but not specified how Many were able to work in their professional fields.
Natalia Borisova was the editor-in-chief of Morning TV show in Western Ukrainian city of Lviv before fleeing with Her daughters, 11 and 13, in March and settle in German city of Cologne. I applied for Low paying jobs like housekeeping but eventually decided to convert down to focus on Learn German language.
“I am an optimist and so am I sure I will find a job after learning language41-year-old said via The WhatsApp. “Probably on different level than in Ukraine, but in same field. now she just Does not make sense for Me too work for minimum wage.
Borisova, like Other Ukrainian refugees, get a subsidy from the Germans government This helps family Pay for Food and lodging but she said she wanted to go back to her work as such soon Because she is fluent in German.
Chudejovich is among about 400,000 Ukrainians in Czech Republic who was recorded for special long-term Visas granted access To jobs, health care, education and other benefits. Nearly 80,000 dick already found workThe government He said.
In the background cafe in Old Town Prague, 15 Ukrainian refugees work with Czech staff as part of a project Sponsored by Mama’s Coffee Series. refugees also receive free language Layers and more programs.
Lisa Himesh, 22 years old, from Kyivloves her and says “it feels like home over here.”
For Chudyjovych, working as a housekeeper is much better than living in Fear and always sound of air Siren raid.
“I thought I would miss Ukraine and be homesick, but that never happened,” Chudyovich said. “It’s calm here and I feel it like man.”
