Challenges and opportunities of integration of Ukrainian refugees into the labor market in the Czech Republic

This bachelor’s thesis focuses on the integration of Ukrainian refugees into the Czech labor market. As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many people were forced to seek temporary shelter and a safer place to live. Given the ongoing nature of the conflict, it is essential that refugees become integrated into both society and the labor market. However, a significant issue lies in the underutilization of their qualifications, which often leads to worsened financial situations. The aim of this thesis is to evaluate the integration process of these individuals, identify the main challenges and opportunities they face in the labor market, and propose selected aspects of integration policy that could contribute to a more effective use of their potential. The thesis is divided into three parts. The first chapter addresses theoretical concepts related to migration and labor market integration, with a primary focus on refugees. The second chapter analyses the development of the status of Ukrainian immigrants over time, compares them with other national groups, and evaluates the impact of adopted policy measures on the integration process of Ukrainian refugees. The third chapter explores the challenges and opportunities that Ukrainian refugees encounter in the labor market. It includes an analysis of secondary data from existing surveys as well as primary data collected through original qualitative research in the form of in-depth interviews with selected respondents. Based on the findings of these interviews, specific recommendations for Czech integration policy were formulated, aiming to support better inclusion of Ukrainian refugees and more efficient utilization of their potential.