International security assignment

Submitted by : Asra Malik

Submitted to : Sir Usama
Bs-IR (batch # 3)
Submission date : 29/05/2023
Migration and border issues between Russia and Ukraine
The issues of migration and border between Russia and Ukraine has been a subject of notable
concern due to their shared boundaries, ancient ties and their occurring political atmosphere. This
case study for the migration and border issues between Russia and Ukraine intents to analyse the
factors affecting the migration flows, exploring the challenges faced by the migrants, and asses the
policies implemented by the governments of both the countries. The migration situations between
Ukraine and Russia are multiplex and affected by the historical, political and economic factors.
According to the OCD international migration outflow 2022, Russia's aggression against Ukraine led
to a significant flow of Refugees primarily, women and children.By mid-September 2022, almost 5
million Ukrainian refines were recorded in the EU and other OECD countries. However the conflict
between Russia and Ukraine resulted in an ever large refuges crisis, unparalleled in Europe drive WW
ll. In 2021, family migration saw a significant increase of 40%, making it the largest category of
immigration, representing over 40% of new permanent immigrants to the OECD. Additionally the
Labor migration to OECD countries experienced a strong rebound of 45%, reaching the highest level
in over ten years.”1(OECD,2022)

Factors Affecting Migration flows between Ukraine and Russia

There are several complex factors that are influencing the Russia-Ukraine border dispute which
involves

1. Political factors
The major and crucial impact on the migration flows between them is political instability and
conflicts. The invasion of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and the Russian controlled armed groups
seized Donbas government buildings in May 2014 and the eastern part of Ukraine which is the
focal point of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine caused the forced migrations of
thousand of individuals. The changes in government policies and the political instability can also
be the cause of migration patterns. Shared history, language, and cultural similarities can also
influence the migration decisions.

2. Economic factors
There is a economical disparity between Russia and Ukraine which play role in migration flows.
This is the fact that better employment prospects, more stable economic conditions and higher
wages attracted the people most, that is the reason of attraction for Ukrainian migrants to
Russia. As we all know that Russia Russian economy is stronger than Ukraine economy, the
unemployment, downturns and the lack of opportunities for the people of Ukraine let them to
migrate in Russia in search of batter livelihood.

3. Security challenges
The challenges and risks for the people of Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict in the eastern
Ukraine can disrupt migration patterns. Due to the security concerns and conflicts there, has led
the people to Internal displacement Within Ukraine and migration to the other countries,
including Russia. The border controls and the presence of armed groups and security checkpoints
can create challenges for people which causes the increase in the migration.
“2(OpenAI, n.d.).
 Challenges faced by migrants
According to the information obtained from the Brittanica website, the challenges faced by
immigrants of Ukraine including legal status, discrimination in different aspects, and (Russia-
ukraine war) integration.”3 (“Russia-ukraine war”n.d.)

1. Legal status
When the nationals of Ukraine migrate to Russia or other countries, they often face the
challenges related to legal status and documentations. Lack of purport documentation and
irregular migration can lead to difficulties in assessing social services, public rights,
employment and the protecting of the rights as well.

2. Discrimination and intolerance

Due to the irregular migration, the migrants may have to experience cultural and linguistic
discrimination and the aggressive behaviour from the host society, as well as political
tensions can also be faced by the migrants. They can also face difficulties in assessing social
welfare benefits and health care services.

3. Integration
The successful unification in the host country can be difficult due to the excitable of various
barriers such as language and cultural disparity, and the lack of support systems. Migrants
may face difficulty in finding suitable employment , education and adoption of the new
environment.

Government policies
Policies adopted by the governments of both the countries are given below.”4 (OpenAI, n.d.)

1. Russia
To modulate the migration flow in Russia, its government has implemented various policies
such as work permits, visa requirements and registration processes. But they have been
indications of complicated administrative procedures, mistreatment of migrant workers and
difficulties in obtaining legal status.
2. Ukraine
Ukraine has put in place Policies policies to address migration and border issues . They are
helping people who have beenDisplaced by the Conflict and providing documentation And
legal procedures. Additionally, They are working on programs Who have returned to their
homes. Ukraine is also making efforts to strengthen border security to prevent illegal
migration and smuggling.

Bilateral agreements
Russia and Ukraine had signed agreements that are designed to manage migration and border issues.
These Agreements aim To provide cooperation between the two countries and make it easier for
irregular migrants to return home easily. However the effectiveness of these agreements can be
influenced by the political climate and tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
International cooperation
Both Russia and Ukraine work with other countries to address migration issues. They participate in
regional and international forums, such as international Organisation for Migration (IOM), And
United Nations High Commissioner for refugees (UNHCR) to deal with migration challenges, share
their best practices and seek support for managing migration flow.

References:
1. OECD (2022). International migration outlook 2022. Retrieved from
(https://www.oecd.org/migration/international-migration-outlook-
1999124x.htm)
2. OpenAI.(n.d.).ChatGPT. Retrieved from
[https://chat.openai.com/c/fc356106-77b1-4496-8c46-80b763815361]
3. Russia-ukraine War .n.d. Retrieved from
(https://www.britannica.com/event/2022-Russian-invasion-of-Ukraine)