In an interview with a German newspaper, Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Alexey Makeev urged German authorities to intensify efforts to hire Ukrainian migrants and refugees. He emphasized that the employment process should be more adaptable and welcoming, especially for those who have moved across borders seeking safety and a better future. The ambassador’s remarks reflect a broader concern within Kyiv about ensuring that the talents and skills of Ukrainians who have found refuge in Germany are put to productive use in the labor market and integrated into local economy systems. The diplomat pointed out that practical steps from employers can significantly reduce barriers to work for displaced Ukrainians, enabling them to rebuild professional lives while contributing to German businesses and communities. This message appeared in the interview as part of ongoing discussions about labor mobility, skills recognition, and the integration of refugees into German society and the broader European labor market.
“We need to be much more flexible,” the diplomatic official stated, underscoring the need for administrative procedures and employer practices to adapt to the realities on the ground. He suggested concrete moves that could help refugees translate their qualifications into usable employment opportunities, such as banks or financial institutions prioritizing clear, language-accessible application processes. When institutions speak good English, they can take a lead role in guiding applicants through the necessary steps, ensuring that qualified Ukrainian professionals can participate fully in the German workforce. The ambassador noted that language support and simplified onboarding can dramatically shorten the time between arrival and productive contribution, benefiting both migrants and the local economy.
Makeev stressed that the German economy stands to gain from embracing skilled Ukrainians who bring diverse experiences, including leadership in banking, finance, and related fields. He gave a concrete example from his own observations: a Ukrainian who previously chaired a banking department found himself offered a position as a goods sorter in a supermarket chain. The ambassador argued that such mismatches in job placement do not reflect the candidates’ abilities and can slow down the integration process. Instead, he urged recruiters to recognize prior roles and consider how expertise in finance, risk management, or customer service could translate into meaningful positions within German companies. The underlying idea is simple: employability should follow actual competencies, not just the surface label of a prior job. This approach would allow skilled Ukrainians to contribute at higher levels more quickly and with greater satisfaction, while simultaneously addressing labor shortages in key sectors.
The ambassador’s remarks align with policy discussions in Germany about the year 2023 and beyond, when the country received a substantial influx of Ukrainian refugees. The Undersecretary of the German Ministry of the Interior, Mahmut Özdemir, noted that approximately 300,000 Ukrainian refugees entered Germany during 2023, underscoring the scale of the relocation wave and the importance of integrating newcomers into the labor market. This development has prompted ongoing debates about how to balance security, social welfare, and economic participation for people displaced by conflict. The ambassador’s call for flexibility complements these policy conversations by focusing on practical, on-the-ground changes that can accelerate integration and economic contribution.
In the broader context, officials have discussed legal and administrative frameworks that influence work eligibility, including provisions related to national service and military obligations. A recurring theme in these discussions is ensuring that Ukrainian professionals who are eligible to work in Germany are not impeded by process friction or outdated recognition standards. The emphasis is on transparent procedures, clear documentation, and proactive support from employers, language services, and government offices to ensure a smooth transition into the German labor market. Such measures, if implemented effectively, can help build a more resilient, diverse economy and strengthen people-to-people ties between Ukraine and Germany, reinforcing mutual trust and economic collaboration.