Solutions from Ukraine: Kyiv conference sparks discussion on integration of foreigners

The charity organization Right to Protection arranged a roundtable in Kyiv called "Integration of Foreigners in Ukraine: Lessons from Refugee Communities, Upcoming Issues, and Opportunities." The attendees included representatives from the Ukrainian Ministry of Social Policy, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Culture and Information, the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner in the Verkhovna Rada, and various public and international organizations.

Rubryka informs about this.

The round table also included leaders from refugee communities in Ukraine. The charity organization "Right to Protection" works closely with these leaders and groups. They have valuable experience and can offer insights into integrating foreigners into Ukrainian society, which can benefit representatives from various government agencies.

What is the problem?

Due to the full-scale invasion, many Ukrainians fled abroad. Many studies already state that after the war's end, Ukraine will lack people for post-war reconstruction.

The Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine recently released a draft of the Demographic Development Strategy for Ukraine until 2040. It addresses the necessity of implementing a policy of integration for foreigners in terms of language, culture, economy, and society to achieve strategic goal 3 — attracting foreign migrants to fulfill labor market demands.

Tetiana Borshchenko, the leader of the expert team in charge of analytical work in the field of social development at the Directorate of Strategic Planning, Policy Coordination and European Integration of the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, emphasizes the importance of bringing back Ukrainians who were forced to leave their country due to the war and also discusses the potential of recruiting foreign workers.

"The current demographic situation is extremely challenging, and it was already difficult even before the full-scale invasion began. The war has only exacerbated the situation, with low birth rates, high death rates, and significant movement of people due to migration and internal displacement. As a result, one solution is to increase our population by attracting migrants to our state. However, we must also consider integrating them into our society successfully and whether there will be competition among workers," Tetiana Borschenko notes.

What is the solution?

Currently, active communities and groups of refugees and migrants in Ukraine provide support to their fellow compatriots – Ukrainians who have been forcibly displaced or are facing difficult circumstances.

The primary task of such organizations is to integrate foreigners who want to live in Ukraine into Ukrainian society, helping them adapt and learn the language and culture. If the Ukrainian authorities plan to attract labor migrants to Ukraine in the future, cooperation with such communities can be very useful on this path. After all, community leaders can share the already existing developments in this area.

Specifically, at the event, Aisha Isa, the head of the NGO "League of Muslim Women of Ukraine," shared her personal experience with integrating foreigners and her achievements in advocating for Muslim women's rights.

"As part of our activities, we hold Hijab Day in various cities of Ukraine. This Day is significant for Muslim women of Ukraine and foreigners who study or work here. Previously, in Ukraine, people were not allowed to take a picture in a hijab for a passport. Through joint efforts, together with the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Ukraine, representatives of other organizations, and various religious representatives, we collected signatures to allow us to take photos in hijab for the passport. And in 2019, we received permission," Aisha Isa said.

She also spoke about conversation clubs for children and studying culture and history with foreign women arriving in Ukraine.

How does it work?

"Both refugees and migrants are living in Ukraine. We have international and public organizations that ensure the reception and integration of these people. Some communities have information on how to adapt foreigners to Ukraine and how to overcome the prejudices of Ukrainian society towards people from other countries. Our task at this event was to show that the cooperation of all these groups is the key to building a policy and an integration strategy," Svitlana Butenko, head of the Assistance to Refugee and Protection Seekers of the Right to Protection Foundation, said.

Furthermore, leaders from refugee communities and representatives of public organizations in attendance are prepared to collaborate with authorities on issues concerning the integration of current foreign residents and those seeking to establish their lives here, including potential migrant workers.

State organizations may find the following helpful:

• teaching courses in the Ukrainian language,
• programs for familiarizing foreign individuals with Ukrainian society,
• assisting foreigners with education, employment, and housing matters.

For reference:

As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers [Ukraine's government – ed.] decreed the compulsory passing of exams on the basics of the Constitution of Ukraine and history to acquire Ukrainian citizenship.

It should be mentioned that on April 21, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed draft law No. 7606, which requires individuals to pass exams on the fundamentals of the Constitution, the history of Ukraine, and their proficiency in the Ukrainian language to obtain citizenship.