160 migrants from Bangladesh is just the beginning. How can Ukraine cope with the upcoming influx of migrants?
Ukrainian Company Plans to Import Workers from Bangladesh
The Ukrainian business sector identifies the shortage of labor as the number one problem. We've discussed extensively that Ukraine cannot avoid replacing its workforce by attracting migrants, and the future is now upon us. One of the first examples in this direction is the "Lamella" enterprise located in the Transcarpathian region, which has initiated the recruitment of foreign workers from Bangladesh.
The furniture manufacturer intends to hire 160 workers from the People's Republic of Bangladesh. This is part of a large-scale project aimed at increasing its staff by 700 people. However, the labor shortage in Ukraine forces the company to seek employees abroad.
To demonstrate the seriousness of its intentions, the company has purchased and renovated a hotel in the city of Tyachiv, adapting it for the long-term accommodation of migrant workers. Negotiations are currently underway with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the legalization of employment for foreign citizens.
"Lamella" is a subsidiary of the Estonian company "Himbalt Trade," with Estonian citizen Eduard Ovcharov as the ultimate beneficiary. The company's primary business involves supplying petrochemical products to international markets.
Now, after laying out the facts, let's discuss this matter rationally and without emotional slogans. We have a very interesting experiment from a purely research perspective. If the experiment proves successful, we stand on the brink of a significant (it's hard to find all the adjectives — social, cultural, political, economic, etc.) turning point. It's evident that if this example is successful, other enterprises will actively replace Ukrainian workers, at least those who cannot be retained, with foreigners.
Even if the war were to end tomorrow, and men return from the front and (ideally) reintegrate into active economic life, the resources needed for economic recovery will be insufficient. Therefore, the attraction of migrants becomes not just an alternative but a necessity.
Poland, facing a similar issue, actively filled its labor shortage with migrants from culturally similar countries, primarily Ukrainians. However, such a route seems unlikely in Ukraine. Military-political reasons exclude the option of attracting migrants from Belarus, while Romania is actively processing labor resources from Moldova. Thus, Ukraine must seek solutions beyond the region.
Attracting migrants brings not only economic but also social challenges. We are talking about:
- Social adaptation: workers from different cultures may face difficulties integrating into Ukrainian society.
- Political risks: the decision to mass recruit migrants may not only provoke mixed reactions within the country but also reshape the political landscape, leading to the emergence of new parties.
- Economic costs: companies must be prepared to invest in training and creating infrastructure for foreign workers.
Nevertheless, a policy of multiculturalism and openness is becoming essential for Ukraine's survival. In the context of a demographic crisis caused by war and the damage inflicted on industry, the country will have to make a choice: either adapt to new realities or shrink to the borders of territories that can be effectively managed.
The situation with "Lamella" is not just a case of a single enterprise; it is a signal for the entire Ukrainian economy. Our state has yet to face such a comprehensive challenge regarding labor migration. Ukraine is set to embark on a challenging journey. But under current conditions, this is not a matter of choice; it is a matter of survival.
The author expresses a personal opinion that may not align with the editorial stance. The author bears responsibility for the published information in the "Opinions" section.