After the war in Ukraine ends, an important question will arise: how many Ukrainians will remain abroad on a permanent or partial basis? Migration analysts indicate that this process will depend on a number of factors, including the speed of Ukraine's economic recovery and the possibilities for Ukrainians to integrate into the European Union.
As of 2024, about 6.5 million Ukrainians are abroad as refugees or temporary migrants. Research shows that 64% of Ukrainians currently living in Europe plan to return home after the war. However, only 56% of those who have already returned to Ukraine intend to stay, while the rest are considering going abroad again, especially if the economic situation remains unstable.
Analysts from the migration company International Expert say that many people after the war may "live in two countries." We are talking about Ukrainians who have now received a residence permit or even a second citizenship abroad. After the war, these people will actively return to Ukraine with their families.
But at the same time, the standard of living in countries such as the European Union will remain significantly higher than in their homeland. Therefore, these new bipatrids (people with dual citizenship) will most likely live in Ukraine and occasionally travel to Europe to work.
The opposite situation is also possible, when current refugees will remain permanently resident in the EU (if their status allows it), and will come to Ukraine only to visit relatives or to resolve important matters, such as selling real estate. This phenomenon is already being observed in Poland.
