National legal frameworks of repatriation in Ukraine

The article is dedicated to a comprehensive analysis of the national legal frameworks of repatriation in Ukraine. It examines the essence of the concept of "repatriation" within the context of international and national legislation, explores the regulatory framework governing the processes of returning Ukrainian citizens to their homeland, and analyzes key legislative acts related to the legal status of repatriates, including the Constitution of Ukraine, the Law of Ukraine "On Foreign Ukrainians," the Law of Ukraine "On Immigration," and other legal documents. Special attention is paid to the challenges of implementing the right to repatriation amid military conflict and the forced displacement of a significant portion of the population abroad. The study identifies legal mechanisms to facilitate the return and reintegration of Ukrainian citizens residing abroad, including systems of state guarantees, social security, and employment for repatriates. It analyzes the specifics of applying legal norms on repatriation to various categories of individuals: those deported on ethnic grounds, labor migrants, and refugees fleeing war. The interaction between national legislation and international legal standards in the field of repatriation and the protection of repatriates’ rights is also highlighted. Based on an analysis of the legal framework and its practical application, the study identifies gaps in the legislative regulation of repatriation processes and proposes ways to improve Ukraine’s legal mechanisms for repatriation. The necessity of developing and adopting a special law that comprehensively regulates the repatriation of Ukrainian citizens is justified, taking into account modern challenges caused by mass migration resulting from military conflict. Practical recommendations are formulated to enhance the legal framework for repatriation processes and strengthen the protection of repatriates’ rights within the context of Ukraine’s new migration policy. Keywords: repatriation, national legislation, legal status of repatriates, migration policy, migrants’ rights, forced migration, return of citizens.