War, Refugees, and Labor

Abstract

Russia's heavy attack on Ukraine, which started in the first months of 2022 and is currently ongoing, has had global effects not only on the aforementioned countries. However, the most affected are Ukraine and its people. The country has been completely destroyed. On the other hand, displaced people (women, children, and the elderly) who have been separated from or lost their families constitute the heaviest loss of the war. Displaced people have sought asylum primarily in neighboring countries. The Council of the EU adopted and activated “Temporary Social Protection” for all those affected by the war. The most urgent needs of refugees are cash, employment, and shelter. Although cash and shelter needs can be met temporarily, meeting these needs in the medium and long term is only possible by employing them. In this respect, the workforce profiles of refugees from Ukraine, most of whom are single and educated mothers, and their outlook in the labor market in the host country will be discussed in the example of Poland, the host country where refugees are most often registered and admitted.