Attachments
In 2024, IOM conducted four local Migration Governance Indicators (MGI) assessments in Ukraine,1 in coordination with the public authorities of Kharkiv City, Odesa City, Stryi Territorial Community and Lviv Oblast.2 The primary aim of this initiative was to assess the legal grounds and capacities of local governments to take on responsibilities for migrant integration and community cohesion, anticipating increased immigration as part of long‑term recovery and reconstruction efforts. Furthermore, these assessments align with Ukraine’s efforts to ensure that its legislation and administrative practice in the field of migration comply with European Union standards, as specified in Objective 15 of the State Migration Policy Strategy.
The MGI process – IOM’s flagship initiative on migration governance – is a critical tool to support governments in assessing the comprehensiveness of their migration policies, as well as in identifying gaps and areas that could be strengthened. Between its launch in 2016 and October 2024, the MGI process has been implemented in 112 countries as well as with 104 local authorities, assisting governments in assessing their migration policy systems across the full spectrum of migration. The four local MGI assessments conducted in 2024 are the first local‑level assessments in Ukraine, building on two national‑level assessments conducted in 2019 and 2021.
This report examines both well‑developed common policy areas and those with potential for future development in local migration governance, based on data collected during the MGI assessments. Its aim is to improve understanding of local migration management and highlight existing challenges, thereby supporting evidence‑based and well‑informed decision‑making and policy development in Ukraine. This report presents aggregate findings across the four localities based on a two‑part analysis:
The first part explores common policy areas identified during the local MGI assessments,3 assessing whether these areas are well developed or could benefit from further development. A policy area is generally considered well developed if it meets three criteria: the formal existence of a policy, programme, institution or coordination mechanism (supported by regulations or a formal agreement); consistent application (meaning its provisions are implemented in practice); and regular updates to maintain its effectiveness.
The second part highlights selected policy examples drawn from the respective local MGI profiles. These examples serve as illustrative cases to inspire the exchange of good practices, provide practical insights and foster learning among stakeholders. They are not intended to be comprehensive but rather to encourage dialogue and innovation in local migration governance in Ukraine.
Policy areas are organized by MGI domain (for each of the six MGI domains corresponding to the Migration Governance Framework).