Ukrainian refugees have integrated into the EU labor market faster than their predecessors from other countries.

According to the IMF’s New World Economic Survey (WEO), after a downturn during the pandemic immigration to the EU reached an all-time high in 2022, mainly due to the migration of more than four million refugees from Ukraine.

“Ukrainian refugees have integrated into EU labor markets significantly faster than previous waves of refugees. Several countries have estimated the employment rate among Ukrainian refugees to be close to or above 50%, usually achieved only five or more years after arrival. Migrants have helped meet unprecedented demand for labor during this period,” the IMF review notes.

This was facilitated by the EU Temporary Protection Directive (TPD), which opened access to the right to residence, social assistance, and medical services as well as simplifying access to the labor market (language courses, qualification confirmation, retraining, and financial incentives for employers). A high proportion of persons with higher education and increased demand on the EU labor market also contributed to rapid employment.