EXPLORING LABOUR INTEGRATION CHALLENGES FOR UKRAINIANS IN SLOVAKIA

• Authors: Papcunová Jana , Ďurbisová Simona , Mukhina Anna
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

Employment plays a crucial role in the integration of individuals who have fled the war in Ukraine. From both a financial and psychological standpoint, the opportunity to work is essential in preventing dependence on welfare and fostering a sense of self-realization. Following the conflict in Ukraine, over a million people have crossed the border, with many heading to the region around the capital Bratislava. A large number have also chosen to stay closer to the border, making their way to the second largest city in Slovakia, Košice. The aim of this research was to use qualitative methods to explore the needs and barriers in the labour market of those who came to Košice after the outbreak of war (involuntary migrants) and those who have been working in Košice for a longer period (voluntary migrants). Language and age barriers, limited job opportunities, discrimination and health difficulties emerged as key themes from the discussions with the involuntary migrants. In general, language proficiency posed a significant challenge, hindering stable employment for the participants. Discrimination and hatred were also reported, along with experiences of exploitation and dismissal. Discussions with the voluntary migrants revealed intense labour market competition, bureaucratic hurdles, discrimination and a lack of information as being the key areas of concern. The arrival of Ukrainian migrants has shed light on pre-existing employment challenges in Košice which not only affect migrants but the local population as well.

Keywords

EN

UKRAINIANS; LABOUR INTEGRATION; KOŠICE; SLOVAKIA; EMPLOYMENT; MIGRANTS

• Publisher: Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Social Sciences
• Journal: Človek a spoločnosť. Internetový časopis pre pôvodné teoretické a výskumné štúdie z oblasti spoločenských vied
• Year: 2023
• Volume: 26
• Issue: 2
• Pages: -

Contributors

author

Papcunová Jana

• Institute of Social Sciences, CSPS, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovak Republic

• https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9358-1419

author

Ďurbisová Simona

• https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8826-4128

author

Mukhina Anna

• https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3220-6677

Identifiers

DOI

doi.org/10.31577/cas.2023.02.618