Introduction: Labor Migration in Ukraine and the Post-Soviet Space

This themed section of Dve domovini / Two Homelands illuminates significantcontemporary migration and labor migration trends in the post-Soviet space.Ukraine has experienced substantial emigration in recent decades, spurred byeconomic uncertainties and the conflict in eastern Ukraine since 2014. Labor migrationis a major phenomenon, partly facilitated by Ukraine’s visa-free access to the EU,which provides more opportunities for temporary work abroad (Kortukova, 2021).However, large-scale emigration of working-age Ukrainians poses risks of “braindrain” and other socioeconomic impacts (Spanger & Andersen, 2023). Kazakhstanhas also seen substantial emigration and immigration, mainly to and from neighboringcountries like Russia and Uzbekistan, for economic reasons. Newly restrictiveresidence permit regulations in Kazakhstan may alter these longstanding migrationdynamics within the region. Japan is gradually easing some of its previously strictimmigration policies to fill acute labor shortages in the construction, home healthcare,and agriculture sectors. However, tensions remain around the integration ofmigrants into Japanese society. Public attitudes do not always align with governmentefforts to accept more foreign workers (Liu, 2023). Meanwhile, many Tajiksengage in temporary cyclical labor migration to Kazakhstan, working in trade sectorslike markets or transportation. Their collective family-based migrant enterprisesdemonstrate resilience in the face of challenging conditions, though restrictive andunpredictable migration policies in Kazakhstan create precarity.