Migration and foreign workers: Parliament highlights control issues
This was reported by the “Judicial and Legal Gazette”, citing the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Social Policy and the Protection of Veterans’ Rights.
In Ukraine, the issue of migration control, the employment of foreigners and the fight against illegal residence has been raised.
The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Social Policy and the Protection of Veterans’ Rights emphasised that the problem does not lie in the presence of foreigners in Ukraine as such. The issue concerns cases of illegal residence and shortcomings in the control of the issuance of residence permits and work permits.
How foreigners are checked
The system involves several stages of vetting before a residence permit is issued.
The Security Service of Ukraine checks for any links between foreigners and terrorist organisations or an aggressor state. The State Migration Service analyses other information regarding the individual.
A separate check must take place when applying for a work permit. The legislation provides for an assessment of labour market needs and the availability of Ukrainian workers for the relevant vacancy.
Where the problems lie
The parliamentary committee points out that problems exist specifically in the area of issuing work permits.
This concerns the organisation of the State Employment Service and potential corruption risks.
The committee noted that the service still operates as a state agency, although under the law it should be a central executive body. According to the committee chair, this creates legal and administrative problems in the permit application process.
The issue of potential unofficial payments when obtaining work permits for foreign nationals has also been raised. In this regard, the Ministry of Economy is being urged to reform the system and eliminate corruption risks.
What employers must do
The Rada emphasises that employers must notify the state of their need for workers.
Following this, the relevant authorities must verify whether such vacancies can be filled by Ukrainian citizens.
Only after such a check should a decision be made to issue a work permit to a foreigner.
What about illegal migration
The committee stressed that illegal migration remains the responsibility of law enforcement agencies.
For those staying in Ukraine illegally, the law provides for administrative expulsion or forced deportation.
The Rada also highlighted the need for clearer communication from state bodies regarding the principles of migration policy, procedures for employing foreigners, and mechanisms for vetting people who obtain residence permits in Ukraine.
What happened previously
Against a backdrop of labour shortages and a growing number of foreigners finding employment in the country, a petition has emerged in Ukraine proposing to prioritise Ukrainian citizens in the labour market and to review approaches to labour migration.
It also proposes introducing mandatory integration standards, stricter selection rules and greater oversight of migration policy.
In addition, Ukraine has changed its approach to the payment of immigration services for foreigners and stateless persons.
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