From Data to Change: Cross-sectoral Cooperation and Advocacy for the Labour Market Integration of People from Ukraine

Refugees and migrants from Ukraine living in Slovakia face persistent barriers to accessing the labour market and achieving sustainable, dignified employment. Existing research shows that many are employed in low-skilled positions that do not reflect their qualifications and are often exposed to precarious, unfair, or exploitative working conditions. This situation limits their economic independence, undermines their rights, and results in the under utilisation of their skills and potential for Slovak society and the economy. These challenges are driven by a combination of structural and systemic factors, including administrative barriers, limited recognition of qualifications, language obstacles, lack of accessible information, and insufficient coordination between key stakeholders. In addition, there is a lack of comprehensive and up-to-date data on the specific barriers faced by this group, which hinders evidence-based policymaking and the development of effective responses. At the same time, refugees and migrants from Ukraine remain insufficiently involved in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Their perspectives and lived experiences are often not adequately reflected in public policies or institutional practices, which further reduces the relevance and effectiveness of existing measures.

The project addresses these interconnected challenges by strengthening the evidence base on labour market barriers, creating space for meaningful participation of the target group, and fostering structured dialogue and cooperation between public institutions, employers, and civil society. By linking data, participation, and advocacy, the project aims to contribute to more inclusive and effective policies and practices supporting the labour market integration of people from Ukraine in Slovakia.

The project aims to address barriers to labour market integration of refugees and migrants from Ukraine through a combination of research, participation, and advocacy activities.

First, the project will produce an analytical report summarising existing knowledge on barriers to labour market access. This output will be developed in cooperation with CELSI (Central European Labour Studies Institute), a leading Slovakia based and internationally recognised research institute specialising in multidisciplinary research on labour markets. It will provide a structured evidence base for further project activities.

Second, the findings will be validated and enriched through a multi-stakeholder workshop involving representatives of public institutions, local authorities, employers, civil society organisations, and members of the Ukrainian community. The workshop will ensure that the analysis reflects both expert knowledge and lived experiences.

Based on these insights, the project will develop a policy brief containing concrete and actionable recommendations aimed at improving access to the labour market and working conditions for people from Ukraine.

A key component of the project is the active involvement of at least four representatives of the Ukrainian community, who will contribute to identifying barriers, shaping recommendations, and participating in advocacy activities.

The project will further organise 5–7 advocacy meetings with relevant stakeholders to present the recommendations and support their uptake in practice.

In parallel, communication and dissemination activities will be implemented, including policy-oriented outputs and public communication, to raise awareness and foster dialogue across sectors.

Through these activities, the project will deliver concrete outputs—an analytical report, a validated evidence base, a policy brief, and a series of advocacy engagements - aimed at contributing to more inclusive and effective labour market integration policies. 

The project aims to achieve both immediate and longer-term results contributing to improved labour market integration of refugees and migrants from Ukraine in Slovakia.

In the short term, the project will strengthen the evidence base on barriers to labour market access through an analytical report and validated findings. It will also produce a policy brief with concrete and actionable recommendations for relevant institutions, supporting more informed decision-making.

Another key result is increased participation of people from Ukraine in shaping solutions that affect their lives. Through their involvement, members of the target group will contribute to identifying barriers, formulating recommendations, and engaging in advocacy activities, thereby strengthening their voice in public discourse.

The project will also contribute to improved dialogue and cooperation between stakeholders from the public sector, local authorities, employers, and civil society.

Through advocacy meetings, it will support more coordinated and inclusive approaches to labour market integration.

In the longer term, the project aims to contribute to improvements in policies and practices, leading to more accessible and fair working conditions for people from Ukraine.

The primary beneficiaries are refugees and migrants from Ukraine living in Slovakia, particularly those facing barriers to decent employment.

Secondary beneficiaries include public institutions, local governments, employers, and civil society organisations.

The project will also strengthen the internal capacities and advocacy position of Mareena through cooperation with CELSI and other relevant actors in the field of labour integration of migrants, enhancing its ability to engage with stakeholders.

It will also contribute to building long-term partnerships, increasing the credibility of the organisation’s advocacy work, and reinforcing its role as a key actor in shaping inclusive migrant integration policies in Slovakia