Denys Kostrzhevskyi: the Post-War Revival of the Economy is Impossible Without the Involvement of Migrant Workers
The Council of the European Union has made an important decision to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians who left Ukraine due to the war until March 2026. This decision affects approximately 4 million Ukrainian citizens and provides them with the opportunity to continue living, working, and studying legally in EU countries.
“This decision has both short-term and long-term implications. On one hand, it allows our compatriots to keep their jobs and support their families. On the other hand, it helps them gain experience and skills that will be extremely valuable when they return to Ukraine after the war. The post-war revival of the economy is impossible without the involvement of these workers,” said Denys Kostrzhevskyi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kyiv International Airport.
Ukrainians Abroad as a Source of Foreign Exchange Earnings
For many years, Ukrainian migrant workers have been a significant source of foreign exchange earnings for Ukraine. By sending money back home, they have provided substantial financial resources that supported the country’s economy. Even before the war, millions of Ukrainians contributed in this way, and with the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, this trend only intensified, with even more people leaving.
“According to a World Bank report, in 2022, there was a significant increase in the volume of remittances to Ukraine, exceeding 20%, which is a record figure. These inflows played a crucial role in supporting the economy, especially given the challenges posed by the war and global economic uncertainties. In 2023, remittance volumes remained stable, continuing to support Ukraine’s economy,” said Denys Kostrzhevskyi.
Employee Return Strategies
To facilitate the return of migrant workers and leverage their potential for the post-war reconstruction of the country, we must develop specific and attractive state mechanisms. For example, offering opportunities to start their own businesses with tax benefits, job guarantees in new infrastructure projects, and investment incentives. These measures should be enshrined in legislation to ensure that millions of Ukrainian IDPs and migrant workers not only want to return but can also contribute to the recovery and development of the economy.
“Labour resources currently abroad should be attracted to help revive Ukraine’s economy after the war. However, this should not be done through coercion but by creating attractive conditions for their return. Economic incentives, such as tax breaks, government programs to support small and medium-sized businesses, and profitable investment proposals, should be developed at the legislative level,” he assured.
Mr. Kostrzhevskyi also believes that Ukraine should create conditions that attract not only millions of our compatriots but also hundreds of thousands of foreign migrant workers to the Ukrainian borders, eager to participate in the reconstruction.
“We must use this time to prepare for the post-war revival of our country. We need to develop effective mechanisms to bring Ukrainians back to their homeland, creating attractive conditions for work and entrepreneurship. Government programs aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses, tax breaks, and investment funds are tools that will help our citizens return and actively participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine’s economy,” Denys Kostrzhevskyi said.
We are grateful to the European countries for their support and solidarity during these difficult times. Together, we will not only survive this challenging period but also lay the foundation for the future prosperity of Ukraine.