Policy-supported or self-assisted? Exploring labour market integration of war migrants under temporary protection

This study examines the labour market integration of adult members of Ukrainian war-migrant households under temporary protection in Poland, using permanent full-time employment as the key indicator. Based on survey data and logistic regression modelling, it identifies which forms of public assistance and household characteristics are most strongly associated with this outcome. Job placement support, career counselling, and Polish language courses had a strong, positive effect on permanent full-time employment. In contrast, child-related monetary benefits significantly reduced the likelihood of such employment in large families. Households that were economically motivated to migrate, had pre-war work experience in Poland, and lacked alternative livelihood resources were more likely to have a member with a stable full-time job. By contrast, capital acquired in the country of origin – such as previous occupation – had no significant effect. Single-parent households with young children and those with elderly or disabled members were especially vulnerable in terms of labour market integration. Overall, the results suggest that early employment-oriented support, combined with recognition of household vulnerabilities, can foster integration. These findings may inform the design of migration and social policies in Poland and, with appropriate caution, in other EU countries hosting war-displaced populations under similar legal frameworks.