This article presents the results of a qualitative study, the purpose of which was to find out the real factors which had forced the citizens of Ukraine to labour migration to Russia. According to the UN, there were more than 258 million migrants in the world in 2017. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), there are more than 150 million migrant workers. The study has revealed a number of "push", "pull" and "transit" factors of migration from Ukraine to Russia. The main features of labour migration of Ukrainian citizens to Russia are described; and the the costs of migration for Ukrainian citizens in Russia are highlighted.
Highlights:
1. Based on the respondents' answers, a number of "push" factors were compiled. They are as follows: 1) social tension; 2) political tension; 3) specific political events (hostilities). The "pull" factors were: 1) stability and peace; 2) social networks. "Transit" factors were: 1) visa-free regime between Ukraine and Russia (legal barriers to the movement of labour) and 2) developed network of communication channels (between countries).
2. Based on the respondents' answers, the following features of labour migration can be distinguished: the decision to migrate was made not spontaneously, but meaningfully (with the initial agreement on the place of work and residence upon arrival in Russia); the decision to move was due to the range of interests or occupations that the respondents had at that period of their life, and which could not be implemented in Ukraine for one reason or another; respondents are not quite satisfied with the level of earnings, the general level of prices in the region of residence and career prospects in Russia, so some of them are willing to stay for permanent residence (middle-aged respondents and above), and some intend to return back home (young people), if it will be possible.
3. A significant shortfalls of moving for some respondents was the termination of communication with relatives and friends at home, due to the current political situation.
4. The unstable socio-economic situation is one of the main factors of emigration, but not the main one. The political processes in Ukraine of the last five years and the fighting have become the main factors in the formation of large-scale labour migration flows from Ukraine to the Russian Federation.
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