Nearly 50% of Ukrainian refugees in Poland express desire to return home after full-scale invasion

The Institute for Behavioral Research at the American University of Kyiv (AUK) presented the results of the study "The Way Home: Who Among Ukrainian Migrants and Refugees Plans to Return".

According to the research conducted by the Behavioral Research Institute at the American University Kyiv (AUK), approximately 50% of refugees and 30% of migrants currently residing in Poland express an intention to return. Among them are mostly women with children continuing remote schooling in Ukrainian schools, as well as elderly individuals, predominantly Ukrainian-speaking, and parishioners of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

Among those who wish to return soon or someday are individuals with a stronger Ukrainian identity, valuing the importance of feeling Ukrainian and experiencing greater pride in their country. They tend to have visited Ukraine more frequently and hold a more optimistic outlook regarding the timeline for the end of the war.

At the same time, approximately a quarter of Ukrainians do not plan to return. This group mostly comprises successful entrepreneurs, Ukrainians studying at Polish universities, and young individuals who quickly found employment and mastered the Polish language.

Additionally, approximately 30% of Ukrainians have not yet made a final decision regarding where to stay.

The scientists at the Institute of Behavioral Research have analyzed the survey results conducted by the company Rating-Online, covering over 1000 Ukrainians in Poland. This survey not only included those who left after the full-scale invasion (refugees) but also those who resided in Poland before February 24, 2022 (migrants). Ukrainians constitute the largest group of migrants in Poland, accounting for 71% of issued work permits and 98% of seasonal work permits.

The survey was conducted from December 12th to December 19th, 2023.