Return migration
2025
English
Research Report: Navigating Return
This report presents findings from Navigating Return, a 14-month mixed-methods study of Ukrainians who lived under the EU Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) and returned to Ukraine during active conflict.
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Research report
English
Research team and contributors
External authors
Anastasiia Omelianiuk — PhD Candidate, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Dr. Pim Scholte — Laguna Collective Dr. Samrad Ghane — Laguna Collective Afra van der Markt — GGZ inGeest / Amsterdam UMC Augustine Hacques — Upinion Tarek Jaber — Upinion
Research partners
Funding partner
Porticus
Summary
This report examines return as an evolving process rather than a single event. It explores how financial security, safety, housing, mobility, caregiving responsibilities, social reintegration and mental well-being shape whether return can become sustainable during active war.
Key messages
01
Return is often shaped by constrained choices: declining support abroad, family separation and caregiving responsibilities can push people to return before conditions in Ukraine are stable.
02
Financial security is the strongest and most consistent predictor of mental well-being after return; employment alone often does not provide stable income or protection.
03
Safety and housing insecurity remain major barriers to sustainable return, including for people who resettle elsewhere in Ukraine rather than returning to their pre-war home.
04
Policy responses should treat return as potentially circular and fragile, with coordinated support across Ukraine and European host countries.
Why this matters
Return during active conflict should not be treated as an automatic or permanent solution. Policymakers and support organisations need evidence on the economic, psychosocial and protection conditions that determine whether returnees can rebuild stable lives.
Methodology summary
The study combines a nationwide survey of 324 eligible returnees with in-depth qualitative interviews conducted over 14 months. It examines economic conditions, housing stability, safety, mobility, social reintegration and mental well-being using SWEMWBS and MHC-SF measures.
Data scope
14-month mixed-methods study · nationwide survey of 324 eligible returnees · in-depth qualitative interviews · Ukraine, including frontline and heavily war-affected regions
About this publication
Strategic area
Social inclusion
Primary topic
Return migration
Primary country
Ukraine
Geographic focus
Ukraine · European Union
Publication year
Document type
Research report
Language
EN
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topics
Mental health support
Safety
Housing barriers
Return & reintegration
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