Specific activities for the labour market integration of Ukrainian refugees, in Maramures
About this good practice
Since 24th of February 2022, the beginning of armed conflict in Ukraine, all key factors from Maramures County have mobilized to provide needed support to the neighbors across Tisa who had to flee from war and destruction. Managing the crisis of UA refugees’ means, in addition to accommodation, meals, transport and counselling, finding occupational solutions for people who choose to stay longer in Maramures.
Maramureș County Employment Agency, in cooperation with local authorities, NGOs and companies, is involved since the beginning, in specific activities to support refugees for integrating in labor market, by:
- Assistance ensured in the Blue Dot – Integrated Centre of Assistance and Support, established in Maramures at the Romanian border crossing point with Ukraine, through information points and leaflets about the rights of UA refugees;
- ”Face-to-face" meetings with refugees, organized together with General Inspectorate for Immigration and Maramureș County Council;
- Job Café meetings and Job Fairs with local economic agents, organized together with Maramures County Council, for identifying jobs for Ukrainian citizens;
- Regular Meet & Greet events, carried out in partnership with YMCA Romania, for informing Ukrainian refugees how to register as job seekers in Maramures and also for providing mediation services for employment.
Challenges: the majority of Ukrainians are "overqualified" and they need diplomas recognition and good knowledge of the Romanian language.
Resources needed
Integrating UA refugees on local labor market is ensured through a mix of human & logistical resources: 7 specialists in employment, counselling, mediation, trainers; Around 2000 euros for information materials and specific events; Over 15 days for transport to the border, on weekly or daily basis.
Evidence of success
883 Ukrainian refugees registered at the Maramureş County Employment Agency, of which 458 registered in May 2023.
In terms of distribution by age, 53% of refugees seeking a job are between 25-45 years, 35% are over 45 years and 12% are under 25 years. By gender, 69% are female and 31% male. 29 companies from Maramures County offered 493 jobs. 86 Ukrainian citizens were employed through Public Employment Service. 30 Ukrainian citizens graduated two ”linguistic skills in Romanian” courses.
Potential for learning or transfer
The specific activities and occupational solutions provided by Maramures County Employment Agency for Ukrainian refugees, can be easily transferred, replicated or adapted in regions that facing challenges of managing the refugees integration on labor market. The employment measures have an integrated character and involve different local stakeholders from public, economic and social sector. Thus, the public-private partnership represents one of the major factors of success in supporting the refugees. Impactful activities are workshops for presenting national and local employment conditions and identifying job opportunities, counselling, upskilling, trainings, career day etc. Related to the diplomas recognition, it is very important to provide support to refugees with qualifications in professions regulated by national legislation and/or regulated at EU level, such as doctor, dentist, pharmacist, medical assistant, midwife, architecture, lawyer, psychologist, veterinary doctor etc.
Further information
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Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Agenția Județeană pentru Ocuparea Forței de Muncă Maramureș