Employment Opportunities for Migrants from Ukraine in Slovenia

The diploma thesis examined the situation in the field of ensuring basic human rights of refugees from Ukraine, which European Union member states faced after 2022, when the war in Ukraine began. They examined in detail the barriers and difficulties faced by refugees, whilst also comparing and defining the possibilities and opportunities for employment of refugees from Ukraine in Slovenia and Poland. They formulated four hypotheses, which they attempted to confirm through analysis of a survey questionnaire in addition to the literature review. Both after completing the literature study and based on the surveys conducted, the diploma thesis confirmed that the greatest and longest-lasting barrier to employment of refugees is the language of the host country.

Problem

The diploma thesis examined the situation in the field of ensuring basic human rights of refugees from Ukraine, which European Union member states faced after 2022, when the war in Ukraine began.

Solution and Method

They examined in detail the barriers and difficulties faced by refugees, whilst also comparing and defining the possibilities and opportunities for employment of refugees from Ukraine in Slovenia and Poland. The fact is that employment and work are two key aspects of how effective the integration of refugees into society is. Therefore, it is extremely important to understand the causes when unemployment amongst refugees cannot be reduced for an extended period.

Due to the uncertain position that refugees have in the field of knowledge of law and social security, they are often exposed to exploitation and discrimination. If we add to this the greater difficulty in understanding the language and communicating, it is clear that they have significantly fewer opportunities for employment than other citizens. In the first part of the diploma thesis, they presented the theoretical foundations of refugee rights, the political framework of the geopolitical situation, and compared conditions on the labour market in Slovenia and Poland.

Results

They formulated four hypotheses, which they attempted to confirm through analysis of a survey questionnaire in addition to the literature review. Both after completing the literature study and based on the surveys conducted, the diploma thesis confirmed that the greatest and longest-lasting barrier to employment of refugees is the language of the host country. This applies not only to Slovenia, but generally to refugees in all countries.

Based on the survey findings, they provided constructive suggestions in the conclusion for improving employment opportunities for refugees in Slovenia, particularly in light of acquiring sufficient knowledge of the Slovenian language, the possibility of additional qualifications, and changes in the mindset amongst citizens of the host country to prevent discrimination. Refugees want to work; work means ensuring the basic existence of an individual, but above all, work is connected with personal self-image, identity and dignity. It is important that refugees are provided with equal opportunities, not only on paper, but in reality.