Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity drafts Strategy for maintaining ties with Ukrainians abroad

The Ministry of Social Policy, Family, and Unity is developing a draft Strategy for maintaining ties with Ukrainians abroad and facilitating their voluntary return for 2026–2036. As part of this work, the first strategic session was held in Kyiv on January 21 with the participation of representatives of authorities, international and public organizations.

"Ukraine is one of the few countries in the world where the number of its people abroad is almost comparable to the population of the State itself. This is the result of several waves of migration, and since 2022, a full-scale war. This is a serious challenge for Ukraine, but at the same time a great opportunity. It is important to emphasize that millions of Ukrainians abroad are an integral part of the Ukrainian nation. Our task as a State is not to lose touch with them, to see the specific human stories behind the numbers, and to have a long-term humane strategy that helps preserve a sense of belonging and opens the way home when a person is ready for it," said Ilona Havronska, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine.

She recalled that as a result of the full-scale invasion, more than 5.8 million Ukrainians are abroad, having been forced to leave their homeland after February 2022. The vast majority of them live in European Union countries and benefit from temporary protection, which is expected to end in March 2027. After that, Ukrainians in the EU will be able to consider switching to national residence permits or receive information support on their way back.

In this regard, the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity, apart from the long-term Strategy for Maintaining Contact with Ukrainians Abroad, is working on a draft action plan to respond to the challenges associated with the possible end of temporary protection. In particular, work is beginning on the creation of a digital platform that will provide access to information and services for Ukrainians on their way home, as well as support their integration into economic and social life at the local level.

The strategic session took place as part of the project “YOUA — Shaping New Paths, Building Ukraine's Future,” which is being implemented by GIZ Ukraine on behalf of the German government.