Ukraine fast tracks plans to import Africans

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Summary: Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, announced that authorities are reviewing the list of 70 migration-risk countries, many in Africa and the Middle East, to simplify entry and work permits for foreign laborers. The step aims to ease severe workforce shortages caused by the war with Russia, as highlighted by business leaders at a recent CEO Club meeting. Security concerns will still be carefully weighed, reports say.

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Business Leaders Highlight Growing Worker Shortages

With factories short of hands and construction sites running behind schedule, Ukrainian officials are exploring ways to bring in more workers from abroad, including some African nations. Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President, shared the plans during a discussion with business executives at the CEO Club.

Reviewing the Migration Risk List

The idea centers on reviewing Ukraine’s current list of about 70 “migration risk” countries. Citizens from these nations — many in the Middle East and Africa, such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan — face extra security checks and longer waits when applying for visas or work permits. According to Budanov, a recent interagency meeting on ties with African countries led to a decision: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Security Service of Ukraine were asked to prepare changes to this list quickly.

Given the European Union’s history of open-border policies toward migrants from Africa and the Middle East, any suggestion of precaution from Ukraine should be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism.

High Costs and Delays Frustrate Employers

Business leaders at the meeting described the problem in clear terms. Recruitment specialist Artem Nikishov explained that legalizing one foreign worker in Ukraine can cost around 40,000 UAH and take much longer than in neighboring countries like Poland. He said the process involves multiple layers of approval from consular offices and security agencies, making it hard for companies to fill open positions fast.

War Takes Heavy Toll on the Labor Market

Data from the European Business Association shows that in 2025, nearly three-quarters of Ukrainian firms reported labor shortages. The war has led to the loss of roughly 1.3 million taxpayers, with construction facing gaps of 30 to 50 percent in some areas. Mobilization, people leaving the country, and battlefield losses have all contributed to the squeeze.

Cautious Steps Toward Partial Relaxation

Budanov noted that easing parts of the migration risk framework could help employers bring in needed staff. At the same time, he pointed out ongoing concerns. Some workers, after receiving documents, leave their jobs or treat Ukraine as a stepping stone to other European countries — a pattern seen particularly with certain groups from Central Asia. He described the planned review as an initial step, with any relaxation expected to be partial and carefully managed.

Broader Push to Strengthen African Ties

The discussion fits into Ukraine’s broader push to strengthen relations with African countries. Earlier this year, Budanov chaired a coordination meeting that identified priority partners in the Maghreb and Sub-Saharan regions for diplomatic and economic cooperation. The labor question appears as one practical outcome of that wider effort.

Security Remains a Key Priority

Officials stress that national security remains a top priority. The migration risk list was created to flag potential issues with illegal migration, and any updates would aim to balance business needs with proper safeguards, such as tighter employment contracts or monitoring.

Next Steps Still Under Preparation

For now, the changes are still in the preparation stage. Exact countries that might see simplified rules, new timelines, or added protections have not been announced. Ukrainian businesses hope even modest adjustments will ease pressure on the economy as the country continues to operate under wartime conditions.

At the CEO Club gathering, the tone was pragmatic: Ukraine needs workers to keep the economy moving, and officials are looking for practical solutions while remaining cautious about risks.

Future Considerations

It appears that Ukraine's policy makers are foolishly sacrificing the nation's long-term future on the altar of temporary needs. What's more, once the war has ended, the country's labor market will be flooded with former soldiers seeking employment.

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