A labor market under structural pressure
Ukraine’s labor market is facing a long-term shortage that cannot be solved by one instrument. During parliamentary discussions, officials described a country with about 25.9 million people on controlled territory, including 13.1 million employed people, 7.2 million people over sixty-five and 5.1 million children. Forecasts prepared with partners point to demand for around 14.6 million employed people by 2036.
The largest gaps are expected in technical, engineering, production, construction, medical, trade and service occupations. This is a direct constraint for reconstruction and investment: factories, logistics centers, hospitals and construction sites need people before they can expand output.
Foreign labor is not a simple shortcut
The state is discussing clearer rules for attracting foreign workers, but officials stress that migration must be managed, not improvised. Ukraine needs a unified system that tracks the path from a work permit to actual employment, contract termination and payment of social contributions. In 2025, more than nine thousand permits were issued or extended, while thousands were revoked because contracts were not signed, employment ended or contributions were not paid.
Most permits are concentrated in Kyiv and several large regions. Indian citizens led new permits in 2025, followed by workers from Turkey and other countries. The government wants selection by professions, skills, country profile, security criteria and integration capacity.
Domestic reserves remain the priority
The first task is still to involve Ukrainians who can work: veterans, internally displaced people, women, older workers and people with disabilities. Foreign students and foreigners who serve Ukraine may also become future labor-market channels. For investors, the signal is clear: projects in Ukraine need not only capital and land, but also workforce strategy, training and retention planning.
