A structured recruitment plan
I find the Economy Ministry’s draft resolution to establish an annual list of in-demand professions the most practical part of the plan to support the economy during Russia’s ongoing invasion. The State Employment Service would compile this list each year by drawing on information from employers, government agencies, and regional employment centers. Employers must report staffing needs by Oct. 1, and the government will publish the list by Dec. 31. Applicants must provide education and work experience evidence alongside an employment contract, a job offer, or other evidence of an employment arrangement in Ukraine. This pilot project runs during martial law, stays active for three months after the war ends, and lasts for a maximum of two years from the resolution’s entry into effect. The effectiveness of this recruitment depends on which jobs are available, the ease of the application process, the availability of professionals, and whether Ukraine can attract candidates despite security risks. The program aims to help employers fill vacancies and support the economy amid Russia’s ongoing invasion.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Staffing report deadline | Oct. 1 |
| List publication deadline | Dec. 31 |
| Pilot period after war | 3 months |
| Maximum pilot duration | 2 years |
Administrative hurdles remain
Volodymyr Landa, who led investment screening at the Economic Security Council of Ukraine since September 2025, says the proposal must make the journey "as simple and clear as possible" because Ukraine is not the top destination for international labor migration. He welcomes the recognition that foreign recruitment helps address labor shortages, but I agree with his view that the draft leaves practical barriers unresolved. The proposal creates excessive bureaucracy through document translation requirements and the potential use of the government platform Diia. Landa also questions how foreign professionals will find vacancies or navigate the recruitment process, as the plan focuses on submitting documents rather than attracting candidates. He says further changes must connect international professionals with Ukrainian employers and reduce administrative barriers. He notes the plan lacks mechanisms to help workers find the specific jobs listed in the annual report. Landa argues that the government must find more effective ways to connect international professionals with local businesses to reduce the administrative burdens mentioned in his critique.
