FAQ for employers

Go to the FAQ for Candidates here

What is Jobs4UKR?

 

The free platform Jobs for Ukraine aims to improve livelihoods for people forced to flee Ukraine to Romania and other countries due to full-scale war, through easy access to jobs and learning opportunities abroad and remote. It enables you to explore different industries, look and apply for jobs in different countries, acquire and master new skills for virtual badges. You can find and follow Jobs4UKR on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. 

 

Can EU employers hire refugees coming from Ukraine?

Yes: The European Commission issued the Temporary Protection Directive to support those fleeing the war in Ukraine. As part of this directive, starting March 4, 2022, people fleeing Ukraine are provided protection and support if arriving in one of 26 member states of the European Union.* The rights under this temporary directive include access to housing, medical assistance, education for children, as well the labor market.

 

Temporary protection is valid until March 4th 2026, based on the European Union Council’s decision. 

 

Each EU member state will follow the European Commission’s Operational Guidelines to establish registration processes and systems to afford these rights to people who arrive in their countries from Ukraine. Refugees will need to request a residence permit for temporary protection and follow the process in that country to receive work authorization.

*The Temporary Protection Directive applies in all EU Member States except Denmark. It does not apply in Schengen-associated countries (Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland).

What documents necessary for Ukrainian citizens to work in Romania?

In order to obtain a job in Romania, a Ukrainian citizen needs a temporary protection permit. 

An employer needs a copy of original documents. 

The document necessary to hire are as follows:

> Copy of the temporary protection permit and copies of other valid identity documents

> Copies of educational diplomas and/or qualifications. If the individual cannot prove their qualifications or experience with equivalent documents, they can submit a self-declaration regarding these qualifications. The declaration is valid for the duration of the armed conflict. This does not apply to professions regulated by special laws. Alongside the self-declaration, it is recommended to start the diploma equivalency process (link to Self-Declaration Annex of the Ministerial Order regulating the Employment Procedure).

> Bank statement from a bank operating in Romania

Additionally, as the employer, you may also request:

> Copy of birth/marriage/divorce certificate

> CV dated and signed

> Copy of proof/certificates of past employment 

A self-declaration regarding experience does not apply if employment is offered in one of the professions regulated by special laws, such as - doctors, dentist, pharmacist, nurse, midwife, veterinarian, psychologist, social worker, lawyer, architect, etc. The equivalency procedure for each regulated profession depends on bilateral agreements between professional bodies (associations, orders, etc.) and Romanian legislation in the field.

 

 

How long can refugees stay in Romania? 

 

Under temporary protection, Ukrainian refugees can remain in Romania as long as the conflict in Ukraine continues. This status grants them a legal basis to stay, with the possibility of extension depending on how the situation develops. Temporary protection is valid until March 4th 2026, based on the European Union Council’s decision. 

 

 

Do refugees from Ukraine receive medical assistance?

 

Yes, all refugees benefit from free medical assistance and appropriate treatment for emergency situations, in the Romanian medical system. They will be included in the national public health programs to receive medicines and appropriate medical care and will have access to the basic package of services without having to present a referral ticket.

 

Under what conditions can a refugee from Ukraine get a job in Romania?

According to GEO 96/June 28, 2024, the temporary protection permit grants you the right to work in Romania with the same rights and obligations as a Romanian citizen, as regulated by the Labor Code.

 

Ukrainian citizens who apply for a form of protection in Romania also have access to the labor market if they want to be able to secure a source of income.

Holders of a long-stay visa granted for the purpose of work who entered Romania on the basis of this visa can be employed on the basis of an individual employment contract signed for a fixed period, for a period of 9 months within on calendar year, without a work permit.

After those 9 months, Ukrainian citizens who wish to stay in Romania can benefit from the extension of the right of temporary residence for work purposes, provided they obtain a work permit and present the individual full-time employment contract, registered in the general registry of employees, which guarantees their income is at least at the level of the minimum basic gross salary.

Foreigners who request a form of international protection have the right to work under the same conditions as Romanian citizens, 3 months after submitting the request, for the entire duration of the asylum procedure.

Those who cannot present documents regarding their professional qualification or experience in a specific field can be hired on the basis of a self-declaration stating they have relevant experience and have no criminal record in the field in which they work in Romania.

 

Legal documentation (e.g., licenses, passports, etc.)

 

Employers should be aware that, due to dangerous circumstances, refugees may have left home quickly without their documents, including passports or licenses. Potential employees may need additional time to work with local authorities to validate their status as a result. You may consider contacting your local government to determine whether alternate forms of documentation are acceptable to establish right to work or contact relevant professional organizations for advice on documentation of specific qualifications for individuals fleeing the war.

With critical evaluation of these special challenges and some preparation, employers can hire refugees and ensure their success. 

 

What are the benefits of hiring a refugee?

 

As an employer, you will be able to contribute to the refugee resettlement process in a receiving country by providing a learning environment for those fleeing their home country. A learning environment includes providing opportunities to learn about your country’s culture, opportunities to communicate in the language of the receiving country, development of new skills, as well as providing financial support and autonomy to those in need. In addition, employers will benefit from the skills and talents of those coming from Ukraine.

 

How can I prepare to hire and support refugee job seekers?

 

For many refugees, entering the workforce in a new country can be challenging, especially when faced with language barriers or unfamiliar work environments. Employers must be willing to understand these challenges and actively seek ways to integrate and support refugee job seekers, including those who do not speak the local language.

Based on insights from experts like the International Rescue Committee (IRC), it is crucial to provide clear information on language requirements, available training programs, and work location or relocation assistance. This transparency helps refugee job seekers make informed decisions about potential job opportunities. Additionally, employers should be open to offering language training or other support to facilitate integration into the workplace.

Employers have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact by being open to hiring refugees, even if they do not fully meet language requirements initially. Many companies have successfully integrated employees who are learning the local language by offering training and support, enabling these individuals to contribute meaningfully to their teams. While some roles may require proficiency due to specific tasks, such as reading prescriptions or inputting data, employers are encouraged to explore ways to accommodate refugees and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. By fostering an inclusive environment and being flexible in your hiring approach, you can help refugees overcome these barriers and unlock their full potential, benefiting both your business and the wider community.

 

WHAT ELSE CAN I OFFER TO THE UKRAINIAN COMMUNITY?

Prepare Refugees for the Workforce Through Training Opportunities. Companies can upskill refugees through targeted training initiatives. This may include providing industry-specific knowledge, technical skills, or general training in language and “soft skills.” By doing so, you help better position refugee candidates to secure meaningful employment and successfully integrate into the workforce.

Collaborate with Local and International NGOs. Partnering with NGOs that specialize in refugee support can enhance your company’s efforts. Businesses can contribute through financial donations, in-kind support, or by participating in collaborative projects aimed at assisting refugees in finding jobs, acquiring skills, or addressing other needs.

 

Transferability and recognition of qualifications and skills

 

People fleeing Ukraine may have the necessary training and skills to perform a job for which you are hiring, but they may not hold the formal education or corresponding permit to hold that job in your country. Consider if there are positions that do not require licenses that those fleeing Ukraine can fill, while your company assists new hires in obtaining the locally required occupational license.

In addition, the European Commission is developing new guidelines to facilitate the recognition of professional qualifications obtained in Ukraine. This will make it easier for employers and training institutions to understand the skills of Ukrainians arriving in the EU. The European Training Foundation is establishing a site to help employers understand the qualifications of job seekers from Ukraine.

 

How can my job postings effectively reach refugees?

To reach refugee job seekers, there are a number of steps you can take when crafting your job postings:

Post jobs for free on Jobs4Ukr

Indicate the language requirements for the job and if you offer language training 

Indicate if you offer relocation or other forms of assistance referenced above

Share the job links on Social Media

After posting a job, you can start searching for candidates in the platform, using filter. 

 

How to help a refugee learn Romanian or English?

Helping a Ukrainian refugee employee learn Romanian or English is a wonderful way to support their integration into the community and your workplace. Here are a few ideas an employer can use to facilitate this process:

> Professional development training through your company. Organize language classes at the workplace. Classes could be held during lunch breaks or after working hours. Hiring a language tutor with experience in teaching Romanian/English to non-native speakers would be beneficial.

> Sponsorship language classes for your Ukrainian employees. Partner with local language institutions that offer Romanian/ English language courses, and provide financial assistance or cover the costs for the employee to attend.

> Online language learning platforms. If in-person classes are not feasible, you can offer subscriptions to online platforms such as Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise that provide Romanian/ English lessons.