Key trends and patterns of international migrant flows to and from Ukraine

Abstract

The number of international migrants worldwide has already surpassed the U.S. population and turned international migration into one of the defining challenges of the 21st century, especially in light of recent ‘migrant crisis’ in the EU. Ukraine ranks 7th and 13th in the world in international emigrant and immigrant stock, respectively. Also, Ukraine contributes to the largest migration corridor in South-South pathway and the second largest migration corridor in the world. One of the distinctive features of Ukraine as an origin (destination) country is its relatively low diversification of flows of emigrants (immigrants) by their destination (origin). Remittance flows to and from Ukraine are also concentrated on a small number of origin and destination countries (regions). Annual inward remittances received by the country reached 5% of GDP and outweighed annual inward FDI and ODA combined (2013). This paper analyses key patterns and trends of international migrant flows to and from Ukraine, its determinants and impact on social and economic development of the country. Inward remittances are a very important source of financing for development. However, country specific as well as general ‘push and pull’ factors may significantly influence the stock of international migrants and remittance flows to and from Ukraine in the nearest future. Therefore, some suggestions for mitigating risks and exploring opportunities, related to international migrant flows to and from Ukraine, are provided, e.g. to promote official remittance channels, mobilize diaspora savings, stimulate saving and investment of remitted income, improve working conditions of labour emigrants.