Labour Market Aspirations of Ukrainian Refugees: Determinants and Challenges

This study analyses factors influencing Ukrainian refugees’ migration for work, using household-level data from the UNHCR Survey of Intentions and Perspectives of Refugees from Ukraine. Applying logistic regression and propensity score matching (PSM), it examines key determinants, including gender, age, education, residence status, and planned return duration. Results show men are more likely than women to migrate for work (odds ratio: 2.01), highlighting gender-specific barriers. Older individuals and those with higher education levels exhibit lower migration likelihoods. Refugees in private accommodations are less likely to migrate, suggesting housing stability affects mobility. Longer planned return durations increase work-related migration (odds ratio: 1.25), while travelling with a larger family reduces it. These findings highlight the complexity of refugee labour market integration and the need for policies addressing gender disparities, housing stability, and long-term employment prospects to support refugees’ economic inclusion.