CHALLENGES FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES IN THE EU LABOUR MARKET: THE CASE OF POLAND AND GERMANY

The article examines the array of challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees in the labour markets of European Union host countries, focusing on the experiences of Poland and Germany. These two countries have provided refuge to the largest number of Ukrainian migrants since the onset of the full-scale war. A significant proportion of Ukrainian refugees encounter difficulties in finding employment that aligns with their qualifications, experience and skills. The study identifies the sectors of the economy in these countries where Ukrainians have successfully found employment. Poland is found to have the largest number of employed Ukrainian refugees. This is attributed to Poland’s "work-first" principle, which offers broader access to the labour market and simplified employment procedures, without prioritising proficiency in the Polish language. In contrast, Germany adopts an alternative approach. Despite hosting the second-largest number of Ukrainian refugees after Poland, the employment rate of refugees in Germany is considerably lower. Germany’s integration strategy emphasises language acquisition before offering job opportunities, which often depend on language proficiency levels. Although this approach involves a longer process, the study demonstrates that refugees with validated qualifications and diplomas find it easier to secure employment in their fields, with higher wages and increased social security contributions. The article also highlights instances of ethnic discrimination against Ukrainian refugees in the labour market, illustrated through a labour market experiment in Poland. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the development of a systemic approach to analysing the labour markets of EU countries, using Poland and Germany as case studies from the perspective of Ukrainian refugees, and in identifying the primary challenges they face. The findings of the study enable an evaluation of labour market demands in Poland and Germany regarding the qualifications of Ukrainian refugees, identification of the most in-demand sectors, and a deeper understanding of the key success factors in job searches within these countries.