The Ukrainian Migratory Corridor

Abstract

The paper discusses recent developments in Ukrainian migratory corridor, focusing on transit migration, a reality that has emerged since independence. It analyzes push and pull factors underpinning the rise in mobility which followed the downfall of the Soviet Union, traces the different ways that migrants enter Ukraine and examines routes followed by them in entering Europe, transiting through Ukraine. It will be demonstrated that the Ukrainian migratory corridor comprises multiple channels, chains, paths and routes which turn the country into a sort of a ‘migratory highway’ in the very heart of Europe. The paper examines core groups of non-nationals residing in Ukraine and discusses their human rights and safety conditions. It reviews issues pertaining to cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union in the area of migration control, placing emphasis on the effectiveness of current European policies regarding border management there. The present paper argues that the EU and Ukraine should make more efforts to mainstream human rights and security considerations into their bilateral cooperation and add more political will and mutual trust to enable fruitful dialogue on migration matters.