UN reveals how many Ukrainian refugees plan to return home

This is stated in a study by the UNHCR, unhcr.org reports.

Currently, almost 6.5 million refugees from Ukraine are seeking refuge around the world, and about 3.7 million people have IDP status.

The organization conducted a study on the intentions and prospects of those fleeing the war, interviewing more than 9,900 households (including about 4,000 abroad) in January and February 2024.

Most respondents want to return home one day. Among refugees abroad, 65% of them do (6% - in the coming months), among IDPs - 72% (5% - in the coming months). It is noted that the share of people with such intentions has decreased over the year - from 77% and 84%, respectively. In 2024, 11% of refugees and 15% of IDPs do not intend to return home.

Among those who plan to return, there are more of those who are in neighboring countries (75%) compared to those who have taken refuge in other European countries (62%).

Mostly, people do not return home for security reasons. Other reasons include the lack of economic prospects and housing. Among refugees who have returned to Ukraine, 55% stated that they found fewer employment opportunities than they expected.

59% of respondents said that they might be forced to return home during the war if they could not find decent work abroad.

Previous surveys have also found that refugees with special needs and vulnerable categories are also considering returning, mostly due to a lack of other options.

Now more refugees have started making short-term visits to Ukraine - 50% this year compared to 30% last year. Most of them are to visit family members and check on property.

• At the end of January, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi stated that up to 80% of those fleeing the war in Ukraine intend to return home when it is safe to do so.