In this article the findings of small-scale empirical research conducted between March and July 2004, are presented. In total, fifty Ukrainian migrant workers were interviewed. During a 1.5 hour in-depth interview each respondent was asked about his migration history, living and working conditions, personal background, experiences with employers, work permits, visas and other important aspects of migrant’s life. By interviewing respondents in different ‘stages of migration’ (current, return and prospective migrants), we tried to get a picture of the migration process as a whole.

Based on this research we came to the conclusion that the restrictive visa regime does not stop migration, as persons consider themselves forced to look for opportunities across the border. It definitely affects the situation of Ukrainian migrants in the Netherlands, as it makes their situation much more difficult than before. But this does not mean that it stops the migration flow. In a sense, the current restriction of movement possibly even accelerates migration from Ukraine, while at the same time stops people who already are in Europe from going back home. This has two reasons. First, as a result of the more restrictive immigration policy the price of a Schengen visa on black market has risen, thus immigrants have to work longer in order to repay their debts. Second, immigrants fear getting a deportation stamp on the border even in case of voluntary return.
They eventually even change their plans from temporary to permanent stay, as they think that immigration situation will get worse and they will not get a chance to come to the EU ever again.

Stepan Shakhno holds a Bachelors degree in Applied Mathematics from Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. In summer 2003 in London, he carried out research on Ukrainian migrant workers’ in the UK. The Trade Unions Congress (TUC) funded this research, which concluded in writing a book called “Gone West” that was published by the TUC in London in March 2004. This publication subsequently received a lot of public attention in the UK, including press attention from The Guardian, BBC, Channel 4 and others.
He has been granted scholarships to attend and present papers at a number of international conferences throughout Europe on the subject of migration. As a President of Lviv Regional Branch of the European Youth Parliament - Ukraine he is coordinating a free hotline for Ukrainians migrants where they can get free legal advice and learn about their rights abroad. The hotline now runs successfully in Lviv, Ukraine.