Migrant Workers from Ukraine: the Role of Social Work at Different Stages of Migration

Abstract

Ukraine is a supplier of migrant workers. Research has shown that migrant workers and their families are at high risk of exploitation, discrimination and abuse. The objective of the study is to characterize the specifics of labor migration from Ukraine and the migration process, to determine the main forms of social work with migrant workers. The research is based on the analysis of scientific literature and documents. The study identifies the key features of labor migration and features of the stages of the migration process. The circular and unregulated nature of the current labor migration from Ukraine and the repetition of the stages of adaptation and re-adaptation are established. It has been determined that social work as an institution of civil society is aimed at reducing the risks and vulnerabilities of migrants at different stages of migration, which should be facilitated by respect, protection and realization of human rights, as well as support and assistance. The content of social work with migrant workers at different stages of the migration process (initial, relocation, adaptation, readmission) is described. The main forms of preventive and supportive actions are discussed. Considering the cycle of labor migration from Ukraine, social work at the stage of return may also have a re-adaptive focus and should be clearly tied to the local community. Social workers can also: 1) lobby social policy measures to support a circular model of migration with the prospect of possible final repatriation of migrants; 2) promote the legal employment of Ukrainian migrants abroad, non-discrimination and respect for their rights, in particular in the field of social security.