The Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine is developing a system to assess the readiness of local communities to welcome citizens returning from abroad. This became known following a meeting between Minister Denys Ulyutin and representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as reported by RBC-Ukraine. The ministry emphasizes that the preparation of infrastructure and local support mechanisms is viewed as a long-term process requiring a systematic approach and international cooperation.
Methodology for assessing community needs
The Ministry of Social Policy explains that returning Ukrainians are not required to settle in the towns and villages where they lived before leaving. The choice of residence will be influenced by security, housing availability, employment opportunities, access to social services, and family circumstances. That is why communities need to understand in advance whether they have a sufficient volume of social and affordable rental housing, jobs, educational and social services, and the necessary infrastructure. It is proposed to take these parameters into account even at the planning stage of territory reconstruction.
Digital tools and the "community social passport"
The ministry is working on harmonizing methodologies that determine community needs and forming appropriate datasets. On their basis, it is planned to develop digital tools, in particular the "community social passport." This resource should become one of the key decision-making tools in the field of social policy and investment planning. In parallel, a database is being formed to help determine exactly where resources are available for new residents.
The role of IOM and integration with state initiatives
During the meeting with IOM representatives, the issue of how the international organization can get involved in advising Ukrainians considering return was discussed. IOM's expertise, information resources, and infrastructure are proposed to be engaged to complement state initiatives — the network of unity centers and the "Home" platform. According to Minister Ulyutin, the counseling system should operate according to general standards, provide a clear mechanism for redirecting people to the necessary services, and coordinate the work of state institutions and international partners.
The principle of voluntariness and realistic information
The ministry emphasizes that the decision to return must remain entirely voluntary, and information about living conditions in Ukraine must be reliable and realistic. Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported on the launch of the digital platform "Home," which helps Ukrainians abroad prepare for relocation, draw up a personal plan, and find information about employment, education, social support, and services in communities.
Context: the majority of refugees do not plan to return yet
At the same time, according to available data, the majority of Ukrainian refugees intend to remain in the countries that accepted them. The decision to return is influenced by a whole range of factors: security, housing, salaries, living standards, employment in one's profession, and social status. This is why the preparation of infrastructure and local support systems is viewed as a multi-year process in which not only state policy, but also international partnership plays a key role.
