Return Intentions Under Temporary Protection: Theoretical Perspectives on Migrant Households

ABSTRACT This study examines return intentions among surveyed Ukrainian households under temporary protection in Poland through neoclassical, NELM, structural and social network lenses. Using cross‐sectional data (purposive sample; N = 1113) and econometric modelling, we identify three overlapping foundations of return intentions: economic factors (labour market difficulties and financial concerns), structural conditions (institutional and resource contexts, including humanitarian and integration‐oriented assistance) and relational drivers (strong family ties in Ukraine). As prior research links return intentions to subsequent return behaviour, our findings provide a tentative reference point for policy discussions addressing the economic, institutional and relational dimensions of migration: for Ukraine, on tailoring reintegration support to households' economic preparedness, facilitating sector‐specific reintegration among those willing and able to return where security allows, and supporting family and community reconnection; and for Poland, on linking short‐term humanitarian aid to targeted integration support and examining reasons for non‐participation in integration‐oriented programmes.