Discussion Held on Employment of Foreign Nationals in Ukraine
On 7 May 2025, the joint event of the UBA Committee on Migration Law and the UBA Committee on Labor Law took place, focusing on the topic: “Foreign Nationals in the Ukrainian Labor Market: Employment and Residence Permits.” The event brought together legal professionals, business representatives, government officials, and subject-matter experts in a hybrid format.
The session was moderated by Vladyslav Zaitsev, Chair of the UBA Committee on Migration Law and attorney at ARES Law Firm.
Speakers included:
Oleksandr Antonyuk, Head of the Department for the Employment of Foreign Nationals and Legal Counseling, Legal Division, State Employment Service of Ukraine;
Inessa Letych, Counsel, Co-Head of Labor Law Practice at Asters, Member of the Board of the UBA Committee on Labor Law;
Kyrylo Kazak, Partner at KPD Consulting, Member of the Board of the UBA Committee on Labor Law.
The discussion addressed key legal and practical aspects of employing foreign nationals in Ukraine, including:
- Procedures for obtaining employment permits;
- Common errors in drafting employment contracts;
- The role of employment centers in coordinating with employers;
- Oversight and enforcement of labor law compliance;
- Legalization of foreigners’ stay in Ukraine, particularly under martial law conditions.
Participants received practical guidance on how to avoid typical mistakes in the employment of foreign workers and discussed the latest updates in the temporary residence permit issuance procedures.
The event highlighted a strong interest in both migration and labor law issues, underscoring the importance of cross-sector dialogue in establishing effective regulation of foreign employment in Ukraine. Attendees expressed appreciation to the organizers and experts for delivering timely insights, real-world examples, and answers to pressing questions relevant to daily legal and HR practice involving foreign personnel.