A recent survey has found that around one-sixth of Ukrainian individuals who sought refuge in Ireland due to the on-going conflict are contemplating departure due to challenging bureaucratic procedures hindering their employment prospects. The study was advocated by the Irish Red Cross who is requesting for an empathetic recognition system that validates Ukrainian professionals’ qualifications for beneficial use by the Irish state. This survey forms part of the Safe Homes research scheme, a combined movement by the EU and International Red Cross and Crescent Societies, addressing the displacement issues created by the Ukrainian war across nine European countries- Ireland, Belgium, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia being among them.
The study conducted in Ireland discovered that about a sixth of Ukrainian individuals who escaped the warfare are thinking of migrating to another nation to maintain their professional careers. A Red Cross statement warns that Ireland is at risk of losing the economic advantage if these skilled Ukrainians depart.
According to recent findings by Ukrainian Action in Ireland, only 9% of the Ukrainian émigrés have landed jobs in Ireland that align with their qualifications. 30% of those unemployed reported bureaucratic hurdles as the central reason for their inability to work, with a further 22% attributing their unemployment to problems with requalifying their credentials.
The lack of adequate housing facilities adds to reasons encouraging Ukrainians to mull over leaving Ireland. Comments from anonymous survey participants revealed that housing availability is crucial, with one respondent, since residing in County Galway since November 2022, indicating Ireland’s inspiring entrepreneurial opportunities, yet expressing fears of suitable accommodation. Another individual, who has been sharing accommodation in County Limerick, shared anxiety over not having a predictable future due to temporary protection, work, and housing uncertainty since his arrival in May 2022.
Niall O’Keeffe, the International and Migration head at the Irish Red Cross, has expressed his concern over the ability of Ukrainians to work in Ireland due to significant bureaucratic holdups in recognising their credentials. The existence of numerous posts within the Irish economy, particularly within medical, engineering, and managerial sectors, he suggests, could be occupied by Ukrainians.
Despite the fact that 61% of Ukrainians in Poland are contributing to the economy, only 21% are doing the same in Ireland, which O’Keeffe views as a major lost opportunity. He points out that recent data indicates 89% of Ukrainians hold a level 6 education standard (BA or apprenticeship) or higher, and before the conflict, 93% had jobs in Ukraine.
Additionally, the Irish Red Cross is urging the people of Ireland to open their homes to those escaping the conflict in Ukraine by offering a room or vacant property they own. With the war in Ukraine dragging on, state accommodation services are under immense strain. The Irish Red Cross fears those escaping Ukraine could end up without a roof over their heads in Ireland. As of now, a quarter of relocated Ukrainians in Ireland are housed in privately pledged accommodations. The Irish Red Cross and associated groups have thus far settled 10,842 beneficiaries in 4,757 dwellings.
O’Keeffe is calling on Ireland’s residents to open their houses and hearts to those escaping Ukraine as a temporary form of assistance. The need to aid new refugees seeking refuge is greater than ever, he stated.