Two in five Ukrainians who fled war to Ireland are working

James Cox

More than two-in-five Ukrainian adults in Ireland with temporary protection status are working, according to a new survey.

The Ukrainian Action in Ireland survey also found an increase in the number of Ukrainians who would like to stay in the country long-term.

The survey was conducted among 4,600 Ukrainians who fled to Ireland after the Russian invasion in February 2022.

It also found the majority of Ukrainians who are not working would like to be.

Ukrainian Action in Ireland director Olena Redrugina said more than 50 per cent of Ukrainians here hold masters' degrees.

However, she said they are facing various obstacles to finding employment.

Ms Redrugina told Newstalk: "Ukrainians are very well-educated. We knew they were educated [before the survey] but we didn't know how well.

"Eighty-nine per cent of them have an education of six and higher, meaning further education. More than 50 per cent have masters' degrees in their respective fields."

Anatoliy Prymakov, another Ukrainian Action in Ireland director, told RTÉ that English is another big issue for Ukrainians in Ireland.

"Over 90 per cent are trying to learn the language because they themselves see that that is key to employment. The lack of transportation to and from work, as well as childcare - they would be some of the top reasons."

He added: "We're seeing is an increase in people that would like to remain in Ireland long-term."