Early labour market outcomes of Ukrainian immigrants: regional insights into mass migration

We investigate the early labour market outcomes of Ukrainian war immigrant households in Krakow, Poland. Using unique urban data and econometric modelling, we identify key factors influencing their workforce participation shortly after arrival. Findings show that financial difficulties in Ukraine, favourable social conditions in Krakow and knowledge of the host country’s language facilitated their labour market inclusion. However, early public assistance and high educational degrees of immigrants were found to be ineffective. These results highlight the economic motives behind mass migration and provide valuable insights into immigrants’ early employment for urban and regional authorities.