Some Ukrainians prefer to stay abroad during quarantine
Incidentally, back in March the country's president urged his citizens to return to Ukraine, warning that they had only three days to do so. “In three days we will close regular air traffic. During this time, you, Ukrainians, must return home,” said Volodymyr Zelensky.
However, many migrant workers did not want to end up in a “trap” in Ukraine and prefer to stay in another country. For example, some Ukrainians currently in Italy admitted that they feel more protected there than in Ukraine, even though Italy is the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak. Even in such a crisis situation, when the country has introduced a state of emergency and strict restrictions, Ukrainian citizens are in no hurry to return to their relatives.
How many people have returned and what awaits them
It is impossible to name the exact number of those who have returned to Ukraine due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to the State Border Guard Service, on March 27 alone, about 18,000 of our compatriots crossed the border with Poland. However, in most cases, the reason for returning is not a voluntary desire to spend quarantine with family, but simply the loss of a job. Now the laid-off have to look for new work, but already in Ukraine.
According to the results of a survey, which can be viewed here, about a third of migrant workers reported that they lost their jobs in Europe and now cannot find a new vacancy in Ukraine. The reason is simple – the pandemic has hit all businesses hard, making it impossible for entrepreneurs to provide employees with jobs. Some migrant workers managed to switch to remote work, which helped them simultaneously keep their earnings and spend time with their families in Ukraine, but the majority still found themselves in a difficult situation. Entering the labor market and taking one's place in today's conditions is extremely difficult.
Despite the fact that the country's president urges citizens to wait out the pandemic and stay in their homeland, many Ukrainians are eagerly waiting for the borders to open so they can leave again to work in another country. Experts suggest that most of our compatriots will not be able to find new work in Ukraine, resulting in increased interest among citizens in getting at least some money, even through not entirely legal means.
Any vulnerable Ukrainian will easily believe in online casino advertising promising a big win. It is quite likely that a person left without a prestigious job, forced to return to Ukraine, will look for any opportunity to support themselves and their family. Gambling, covered by information sites, for example, here, will not go unnoticed either. However, it is hard to imagine that this will help improve the situation in any way.
Why not everyone returns
As we noted earlier, some Ukrainians have chosen to stay abroad. An analysis of migration statistics shows that since 2010, almost 4 million Ukrainians have remained outside the country, which is almost 10% of the entire population. These facts only confirm the high level of migration. The migrant workers themselves explain in different ways why they decided not to return to their homeland and to wait out the pandemic in other countries.
“I have been in Poland for several years. I feel more protected here than in Ukraine. I do not plan to return, except maybe for a couple of weeks to see my loved ones. Even under strict quarantine and being on remote work with a reduced salary, I still earn more than in Ukraine,” says our compatriot Iryna.
“I work in Italy. I love Ukraine – my loved ones are there, and I miss them. But, nevertheless, I do not plan to return in the near future. Here, in Italy, I have a prestigious job and a loved one. It is more comfortable to be in quarantine here,” says Anna.
“A year ago I left for Israel and got a high-paying job, but illegally. I do not plan to return home even under the pandemic, as there is no confidence in the future in this country. In Ukraine I had my own business, but I received no support from the state. Moreover, I always needed money, there was never enough. In Israel, everything is fine for me,” says another Ukrainian who wished not to give his name.
It can be concluded that most Ukrainians still miss their home country, but do not fully trust it. Many migrant workers do not plan to return permanently, but are ready to visit relatives.
Recall that on March 11, quarantine was introduced in Ukraine, which includes the closure of educational institutions, a ban on mass gatherings, sports and cultural events. Due to the crisis caused by the coronavirus, many Ukrainians have been left without work and money. The date for ending quarantine is not yet known, although the authorities cautiously optimistically mention mid-May.