Challenges in Job Seeking and the Integration of Ukrainian War Refugee Healthcare Workers Into the Polish Healthcare System: Facebook Content Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in a refugee crisis. The terms of employment of Ukrainian Refugee background Medical Professionals (UKR-MPs) in the Polish healthcare system were liberalised. The aim of the study was to identify challenges in job seeking and the integration of Ukrainian war refugee healthcare workers into the Polish healthcare system.Methods: A qualitative, descriptive study based on content thematic analysis of Facebook content. We analyzed 1,700 posts published on two public Facebook groups intended for UKR-MPs.Results: The most common problems encountered by UKR-MPs were: 1) lack of easy-to-understand information about the list of documents necessary to apply for a work permit, 2) lack of feedback from those responsible for handling individual cases, and 3) long waiting time for the decision issued by the Ministry of Health.Conclusion: Despite the promptly implemented solutions enabling access to the job market by UKR-MPs, the refugees have encountered considerable administrative difficulties, as well as those arising from insufficient knowledge of the regulations on working as medical professionals in Poland under the EU law.

From humanitarian crisis to employment crisis: The lives and livelihoods of South Sudanese refugee health workers in Uganda

“…Nevertheless, refugee and migrant health workers face a number of challenges integrating into their host community's workforces 3,6–10 . Globally, these workers face important structural barriers to employment including stringent and costly accreditation and licencing processes, a lack of targeted training opportunities, bullying from colleagues and patients, and discrimination 1,6,8,10–14 .…”

“…Nevertheless, refugee and migrant health workers face a number of challenges integrating into their host community's workforces 3,6–10 . Globally, these workers face important structural barriers to employment including stringent and costly accreditation and licencing processes, a lack of targeted training opportunities, bullying from colleagues and patients, and discrimination 1,6,8,10–14 . Humanitarian actors may be constrained by law to hire only nationals or officially‐recognised migrants, leaving stateless and asylum‐seeking health workers with few options for employment 3,6,15 .…”