Since the outbreak of the ongoing agression against Ukraine by Russia in 2022, almost 136 000 people, predominantly women, children, and older adults, have been granted temporary protection in Slovakia. A recent research project by the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV), conducted in cooperation with the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, provides detailed insight into the integration of these people. 

The study, conducted in November 2024 on a sample of 503 respondents aged 18 to 81, reveals that while most displaced persons feel accepted in Slovakia and are interested in integration, they face multiple challenges in employment, housing, and education. Key findings include the following:

• More than two-thirds of respondents (67%) are currently engaged in paid work. Within this group, despite the fact that nearly two-thirds have secured employment corresponding to their qualifications, single mothers with children often work below their education level and on temporary contracts, making them economically vulnerable.
• The average net monthly income of respondents is approximately 980 EUR, with men earning 380 EURmore than women. A significant portion of workers (22.3%) are employed on temporary contracts, leading to lower incomes and job instability.
• Decent and stable housing remains a challenge for many displaced persons. Reducing financial support for accommodation providers contributes to uncertainty, particularly for larger families and single mothers with children.
• The study highlights the crucial role of social networks; most respondents rely on the support of the Ukrainian community in Slovakia when addressing difficulties, and women are more likely to find support among Slovaks.
• An overwhelming majority of children aged 6 to 14 (93%) attend primary schools, while 89.7% of young people aged 15 to 17 continue their studies in secondary schools. Nevertheless, language barriers pose a significant obstacle to the full integration of children into the school environment. Some children do not attend school due to a planned return to Ukraine, a lack of information about enrolment, or financial difficulties related to purchasing school supplies.
• More than half of respondents (57.7%) feel accepted in Slovakia, while nearly a quarter (23.3%) have experienced rejection or mistreatment due to their origin. Despite these experiences, more than three-quarters (76.3%) plan to stay in Slovakia for more than 5 years, indicating a shift in the perception of Slovakia as a suitable country for long-term settlement.

3 years after the start of the war in Ukraine, the integration of Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia is progressing. However, persistent employment, housing, and education challenges highlight the need for comprehensive and inclusive policies to support their full integration into Slovak society.

More information can be found in a press release here.