---
title: "Ministry of Social Policy prepares assessment system for communities ready to welcome returning Ukrainians"
description: "The Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine is developing a methodology to assess communities' readiness to welcome returning citizens and is building a resource database. This was announced following a meeting with the IOM."
date: 2026-11-12T12:09:18.972Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/ministry-prepares-assessment-for-returning-ukrainians
tags: [ukraine, migration, social-policy, iom, return-home, communities]
author: "Andrey Kosynko"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Ministry of Social Policy prepares assessment system for communities ready to welcome returning Ukrainians

![Woman with a backpack and suitcase standing near the entrance of an apartment building](https://xab.info/media/2026/11/12/minsoctspolitiki-gotovitsya-k-vernoveniyu-ukraincev-iz-za-granitsy/minsoctspolitiki-gotovitsya-k-vernoveniyu-ukraincev-iz-za-granitsy-1.webp)

## Key Points

- The Ministry of Social Policy is developing a methodology to assess community readiness for returning Ukrainians and is forming a resource database
- Creation of a digital "community social passport" is planned as a tool for planning social policy and investments
- IOM can complement state initiatives — the network of unity centers and the "Home" platform — with its expertise and infrastructure
- The decision to return must remain voluntary, and information about living conditions must be reliable and realistic

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.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [В Минсоцполитики рассказали, как готовятся к возвращению украинцев из-за границы](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/minsotspolitiki-rozpovili-k-gotuyutsya-povernennya-1794482746.html) - Primary source: statement by the Ministry of Social Policy following the meeting of Minister Denys Ulyutin with IOM representatives. All facts in the article are taken from this source.

## FAQ

### What exactly is the Ministry of Social Policy developing to prepare for the return of Ukrainians?

The agency is working on a methodology for assessing community needs, forming a resource database, and creating a digital tool called the "community social passport," which will serve as a tool for planning social policy and investments.

### What role does the IOM play in this process?

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. The organization can participate in advising Ukrainians considering return.

### Are returning Ukrainians obliged to settle where they lived before leaving?

No. The ministry emphasizes that the choice of residence will depend on security, housing availability, employment opportunities, access to social services, and family circumstances.

### Is the decision to return mandatory?

No. According to Minister Ulyutin, the decision to return must remain entirely voluntary, and information about living conditions in Ukraine must be reliable and realistic.