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Challenges of refugee integration
in the EU labor market

Held by VITE SUTE (Ukraine), the fifth Community of Practice (CoP) online workshop, part of the Erasmus+ MAAS project, brought together 19 participants from academic institutions, civil society, and employment organisations across Europe and Ukraine. The session focused on integration challenges and employment opportunities for Ukrainian refugees within the EU tourism labour market.

The session covered three core topics:

  1. “Travel to Ukraine: How Tourism Adapts to New Realities”
    This topic explored how the Ukrainian tourism sector is coping with war-related disruptions. It examined the evolution of tourism into forms such as aid tourism and war tourism, and the sector’s efforts to adjust marketing, safety, and service strategies to ensure survival.

  2. “Access to Labour Markets and Employment in Europe for Ukrainian Refugees”
    This presentation provided a data-driven overview of refugee distribution, employment conditions, and barriers such as language proficiency and qualification recognition. It also highlighted the steps taken by EU countries to support refugee labour market integration.

  3. “Ukrainian Jobseekers Respond: Needs, Aspirations and Future Prospects”
    Findings were shared from a survey of 30 Ukrainian refugees across seven EU countries, offering insights into their employment experiences, job search challenges, and key support needs for successful integration.

Participants engaged in targeted breakout discussions on topics including employment guarantees, job brokerage challenges at national level, and strategies for aligning refugees’ aspirations with the needs of the EU tourism labour market.

Challenges of refugee integration in the EU labor market

Presentations

Key Insights

Underutilised Talent in the Tourism Workforce

Over 5.9 million Ukrainians have sought temporary protection in the EU. Although 71% hold university degrees, most of them women, many are employed in low-skilled roles such as cleaning, logistics and agriculture. Despite being digitally literate and professionally experienced, their skills remain significantly underutilised in the labour market.

Barriers to Job Matching and Career Development

Key obstacles include:

  1. Low language proficiency

  2. Lack of diploma recognition (nostrification)

  3. Limited access to job-matching platforms

  4. Unfamiliarity with hiring procedures

  5. Mismatch between job offers and qualifications

Only 15% of refugees engage with formal job brokerage services. The majority rely on informal networks, which hinders their integration into official employment pathways.

Refugee Employment Needs: Stability, Flexibility, and Support

Refugees seek employment that aligns with their skills, qualifications and caregiving responsibilities, such as childcare. They express the need for:

  1. Language courses

  2. Simplified recognition of qualifications

  3. Legal guidance

  4. Career counselling

  5. Personalised job placement services

While many hope to return to their home country, a significant number are open to long-term integration if sustainable employment opportunities and adequate support systems are available.

Practical Tools and Methods

Access to Employment Services & Job Matching

A comprehensive strategy has been adopted to facilitate the labour market integration of Ukrainian refugees and other disadvantaged groups. The approach begins with the promotion of formal employment services, aiming to raise awareness and improve accessibility through simplified procedures and user-friendly platforms. Personalised job-matching tools are employed to align individual skills with appropriate employment opportunities, particularly in sectors such as tourism.

Fast-Track Training & Qualification Recognition

Quick-start language and vocational training initiatives focus on job readiness and the development of communication skills. At the same time, efforts are underway to harmonise and simplify diploma recognition across the EU in order to reduce delays in accessing employment.

Family-Friendly Jobs & Career Stability

Flexible and family-friendly employment options support women with caregiving responsibilities. At the same time, the strategy promotes stable and skilled employment to prevent underemployment and preserve the value of existing qualifications.

Integrated Support & Career Entry Pathways

Tailored career guidance and legal aid support individuals in navigating complex employment systems. Structured entry programmes, particularly in the tourism sector, provide temporary employment with clearly defined progression pathways towards long-term integration.

Additional Resources

UNHCR Ukraine

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) collaborates with partners to assist displaced individuals in Ukraine by providing employment coaching, facilitating access to job fairs, and offering business workshops.
https://www.unhcr.org/ua/en/internally-displaced-persons-idp

Ministry of National Unity of Ukraine

https://unity.gov.ua/en/mission-and-tasks-of-the-ministry-of-reintegration/

EmployUkraine

An online platform designed to match Ukrainian refugees and IDPs with job opportunities, facilitating employment connections.
https://employukraine.org/

Right to Protection (R2P)

An independent Ukrainian NGO providing humanitarian aid, legal assistance, and support services to IDPs, including employment-related guidance.
https://hias.org/where/ukraine/

State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine (SATD)

The central governmental body responsible for shaping and implementing tourism policy in Ukraine. It collaborates with local communities and businesses to develop tourism infrastructure, promote domestic travel, and create employment opportunities in the sector.
https://www.tourism.gov.ua/en/home

Ukrainian Tourist Guides Association (UTGA)

A non-profit organization uniting professional tourist guides across Ukraine. It offers training programs, workshops, and professional development opportunities to enhance the skills of guides and promote high-quality tourism services.
https://en.uaguides.com/

Raw Travel Ukraine

Raw Travel Ukraine encourages international businesses to hire Ukrainian professionals, including those in the tourism sector, to support economic recovery and provide employment opportunities for displaced individuals.
https://rawtravelukraine.com/

The Vinnytsia Tourism Office

The office provides comprehensive information on local attractions, guided tours, events, accommodations, dining options, and souvenirs. It also offers inclusive services, including barrier-free access and facilities for visitors with reduced mobility.
https://vinnytsia.city/en/

War Tours Ukraine

The Project offers guided tours to locations like Kyiv, Irpin, Bucha, and Kharkiv, showcasing destroyed infrastructure, military equipment, and firsthand accounts from locals. A portion of the proceeds supports the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
https://wartours.in.ua/en/

Visit Ukraine Today – Volunteer Tourism

The initiative that outlines opportunities for foreigners to assist in various capacities, from rebuilding efforts to providing community support, while experiencing Ukrainian culture.
https://visitukraine.today/pl/blog/5584/volunteer-tourism-how-foreigners-can-help-ukraine-while-traveling

Volunteering Ukraine

A comprehensive platform listing volunteer projects across Ukraine, offering guidance on preparation, logistics, and cultural considerations.
https://www.volunteeringukraine.com/en