After the start of the full-scale invasion, more than 6.5 million Ukrainians left the country. Dozens of countries opened their borders to them, providing protection, housing, medical care and schooling for their children. However, life in forced migration is not just a matter of safety. It is a constant struggle with legal uncertainty, language barriers, finding housing and work, and integrating into a new society. An analytical report prepared by the Ombudsman’s Office, Cedos and the Council of Europe comprehensively examines these processes and determines whether Ukrainians are ready to return and under what conditions this is possible.
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Legal status abroad: temporary protection and complex bureaucracy
Most of the forcibly displaced Ukrainians who participated in the study received temporary protection in EU countries or its equivalents outside Europe. This status entitles them to legal residence, work, social services and medical care. At the same time, people often faced difficulties in renewing their documents. In Germany, for example, the formally valid status was not always reflected in electronic databases, which meant that Ukrainians could not confirm their right to stay. In other cases, temporary protection existed only in the form of a digital record that was not recognised by other countries, which made it difficult to cross borders.
Some Ukrainians tried to change their status to a more stable one, such as a work visa or long-term residence permit. However, this often required a high level of qualifications, language skills and financial independence. Several countries, such as the Czech Republic, have begun to consider transferring Ukrainians from temporary protection to long-term status, but the specific conditions remain unclear to many. Those who plan to return to Ukraine usually do not intend to change their status so as not to complicate their return.
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Life in host countries: between adaptation and alienation
The level of integration of Ukrainians varies significantly depending on the country, specific city and personal experience. Some people feel safe and comfortable in their new environment, but at the same time do not feel part of it. Others talk about isolation, loss of familiar social ties, and difficulties in establishing contact with local residents. Lack of language skills proved to be a serious obstacle in everyday life — from communicating with a doctor to finding a job.
Many countries have government or community integration programmes, but their coverage is often insufficient. People complained about bureaucracy, complex and slow administrative procedures, and a lack of understanding of the education or healthcare systems. Prejudice on the part of the local population was also frequently reported — distrust of Ukrainians’ spending, suspicion of abuse of social benefits, tension in queues or on public transport. Some children were victims of bullying in schools because of their nationality. In difficult cases, there were refusals to rent accommodation, with landlords openly stating that they did not want to rent to Ukrainians.
Even within Ukrainian communities abroad, conflicts arose. Tension was observed between those who had left before 2022 and those who were fleeing the war. People had different expectations, everyday cultures and experiences, all of which made communication difficult.
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Plans for return: hope, tempered by uncertainty
Returning to Ukraine remains a relevant topic for many. According to the study, 25% of respondents want to return, 16% plan to live in two countries, and 38% do not consider returning in the near future. At the same time, many people are in a state of uncertainty: they are monitoring the situation in Ukraine but are not yet ready to make a final decision.
The main deterrents are the lack of security, damaged housing, lack of work, poor access to healthcare, and unstable social infrastructure. Those who have children are concerned about their adaptation in Ukraine after a break in their education, changes in the language of instruction or the education system in general. Some people do not want to return due to psychological fatigue or loss of trust in the state.
On the other hand, conditions that could encourage them to return include security guarantees, affordable housing, stability in the region of residence, employment opportunities, and clear support programmes from the state. Financial assistance, social services, access to schools and hospitals, and reintegration assistance are considered particularly important.
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Assessment of the situation on the ground: what monitoring visits have shown
In November–December 2024, representatives of the Ombudsman’s Office conducted monitoring visits to six EU countries: Poland, Germany, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Slovakia. During meetings with Ukrainian citizens, representatives of civil society organisations, local authorities and diplomatic institutions, both positive experiences and a number of problems were identified.
Each country has its own peculiarities. In Poland, there is an overload of schools and social services. In Germany, there is a complex and slow bureaucratic system. In the Netherlands, there are limited opportunities for permanent residence. In Spain, Ukrainians are not sufficiently informed about their rights. In Slovakia, there are limited adaptation programmes. In Belgium, there is a language barrier and difficulties with housing.
Representatives of the Office also noted that in all countries it is important to strengthen coordination between Ukrainian consulates, local authorities and public initiatives. It is these links that can provide systematic support for Ukrainians abroad and help them make informed decisions about their future.
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Steps to support and return: recommendations for action
The Ombudsman’s Office has developed specific proposals for state policy. Their essence is to simultaneously strengthen support for Ukrainians abroad and create conditions for a dignified return. It is proposed to more actively inform citizens about their rights, provide consular support, and support Ukrainian communities and civil society organisations in countries of temporary residence. Particular attention should be paid to vulnerable groups — the elderly, people with disabilities, large families, and single mothers.
Within the country, it is important to launch programmes for affordable housing, professional reintegration, restoration of medical and social services, and the creation of support centres for those who return. Ukrainians living abroad today mostly maintain an emotional connection with their homeland. However, the decision to return requires real guarantees — not just patriotic appeals.
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