6,099 Ukrainian refugees registered as unemployed in Estonia

  • 2023-04-04
  • BNS/TBT Staff

TALLINN - As of April 2, altogether 6,099 beneficiaries of international protection linked to Ukraine had registered as unemployed with the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund, accounting for 11.2 percent of all registered unemployed in Estonia.

Over the past week from March 27 to April 2, altogether 137 Ukrainian refugees registered with the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund, figures made available by the fund show.

During the week, the registered jobless status of 72 beneficiaries of international protection connected with Ukraine was terminated. In the case of 32 of them the jobless status was terminated at their own request and in the case of 33 due to the person having found a job. 

The status of unemployed has been terminated for 13,460 Ukrainian refugees in total, including for 9,930 due to entering employment.

A total of 58.4 percent of the war refugees registered as unemployed were looking for work in Harju County, 11.5 percent in East-Viru County and 9.6 percent in Tartu County.

Of the registered unemployed beneficiaries of international protection, 77.4 percent are women and 22.6 percent men. By age group, 11.4 percent of the people registered as unemployed are in the 16-24 age group, 74.4 percent are in the 25-54 age group and 14.2 percent are aged over 55.

As much as 62.8 percent of the Ukrainian refugees who have registered as unemployed have higher education and 13.4 percent have vocational education. Of the registered unemployed, 19.4 percent are without professional education and the education level is unspecified in the case of 5.5 percent of registered unemployed.

By last occupation, service and sales employees make up the biggest share, 19.6 percent, followed by unskilled workers with 15.4 percent, top specialists with 14.3 percent, and technicians and mid-level specialists with 10.7 percent. Those with no previous work experience make up 13 percent.

Of the new unemployed registered last week, 46 people, or 33.6 percent, are recipients of the unemployment allowance. In total, 71.2 percent of those registered receive a benefit or allowance.

According to the Unemployment Insurance Fund, 16,400 Ukrainian war refugees were registered as unemployed in Estonia during 2022. Ukrainian war refugees whose status as unemployed was terminated numbered 10,300, including 7,700 whose status was terminated due to entering employment. Most such people started working in the manufacturing industry, in administrative and ancillary activities, and in wholesale and retail trade.