Ukrainian emigration in Poland: from “earners” to highly qualified specialists

Abstract

The article deals with the Ukrainian emigration to Poland. The article emphasizes that migration is a normal phenomenon in the global world, and therefore it is important not to dramatize the situation but to pay more attention to the adaptation of migrants in the recipient countries. Main terminology used for migrants and migration’ description is sharpened. It is emphasized that it is not appropriate to treat any migration from Ukraine as “labor migration”. The article provides quantitative data on Ukrainian migration abroad and its dynamics as well as results of researches on migrational intentions and plans. Arguments are being made that the current migration of Ukrainians (after 2010) can be identified as the fifth wave of Ukrainian emigration. The dynamics of the structure of Ukrainian migration abroad is described. Quantitative estimates of Ukrainian migration in Poland are given as well. It is shown that the Ukrainian migration to Poland is changing both quantitatively (growing) and qualitatively: the number of highly educated migrants and those who intend to stay in the country for permanent residence increases. It is reasoned that Poland is interested in Ukrainian workers because they produce reasonable part of Polish GDP and replace Poles who leave the country. That’s why Polish state and non-state institutions and organizations try to improve conditions for Ukrainians in Poland and create new opportunities for work and living in the country. It is argued that research on this topic will be an important contribution to understanding the (post)modern society because the role of migrations in it is changing. Migrants’ self-awareness and identity are changing as well which leads to changes in ways of adaptation and integration of migrants in recipient countries. In particular, cultural factors that determine the decision about emigration become more important: seeking for the environment that fits best for cultural demands of potential migrants becomes crucial. Differential approaches to different groups of migrants on the basis of sociological researches can be a better ground for practical decisions to improve adaptation of migrants.