How much does it cost the Ukrainian government to combat illegal migration? What explains the increasing numbers of illegal migrants from Georgia? Has post-revolutionary Ukraine become more attractive to foreigners? Answers to these and other questions are provided in the following interview with Andriy FEDOSEYEV, head of the Division for Foreigners at the State Border Security Department of the Ukrainian State Border Service Administration.
“How much of a problem are illegal migration flows across Ukraine’s borders? In all the previous years the border service reported rising numbers of illegal migrants. Have there been any improvements recently?”
“A growing trend in illegal migration flows is still discernible. Yet now we are witnessing a kind of restructuring in the influx of illegal aliens. To illustrate, in the first five months of this year border guards detained 2,437 foreign offenders versus 1,944 foreigners in the same period of 2004, which represents an increase of 1.3 times. Notably, the influx of illegal aliens from the so-called migration risk countries (the likes of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Somali, etc.) has declined by 1.5 times from last year. At the same time, there are rising numbers of detainees from other countries, primarily former Soviet republics. This year the border guards detained 1,977 such individuals versus 1,174 in 2004, which represents a nearly twofold increase. Most of the detained aliens are citizens of Georgia and the Russian Federation (Chechen nationals).”
“Are we talking about illegal migrants who are using Ukraine as a transit country, or are there those who wish to settle in Ukraine?”
“An overwhelming majority of these individuals are headed to highly developed countries, primarily those in Western Europe, and to the Scandinavian states.”
“Word has it that post-revolutionary Ukraine has become more attractive to citizens of weak democracies. For example, Russian print media feature publications which call on Russians to move to Ukraine. Have you noticed an influx of foreigners with such motives?”
“No, we haven’t noticed anything of the kind. I wouldn’t say that the Orange Revolution has affected illegal migration flows in any way. Another factor is at work here. Ukraine has joined the UN Convention on Refugees, thereby undertaking international commitments to provide asylum to persons with refugee status. We have recorded a substantial increase in the number of persons wishing to settle in Ukraine and receive refugee status on Ukrainian territory. In the first five months of this year 330 persons applied for refugee status.”
“Does Ukraine’s eastern border still have the greatest number of holes?”
“I wouldn’t say that it has the greatest number of holes, but I have to admit that over 70% of offenders are detained on the western border, which is better equipped and has a more advanced border security system. Yet active efforts are also being undertaken on the eastern border, where several projects are being implemented with the participation of international governmental and nongovernmental organizations. Their goal is to radically improve the technical security of the eastern border.”
“How much of a burden are illegal migrants to the Ukrainian budget? Is the funding provided for the temporary detention center in Zakarpattia oblast adequate?”
“I wouldn’t link the latter to the funds that we spend on illegal migrants. Creating the temporary detention center for foreigners in Pavshyn was a forced measure as a result of the foot-dragging by the State Committee for Nationalities and Migration on fulfilling orders from the nation’s leadership. Under the presidential order of 2002, three similar temporary detention centers had to be opened by the end of 2003. Yet the State Committee for Nationalities and Migration, which was tasked with this responsibility, failed to do so, and we were forced to act on our own. We have taken over a former garrison town and enlisted the assistance of international nongovernmental organizations to equip it. Up to 350 persons are being kept there every day. Transferring this facility to the jurisdiction of the State Committee for Nationalities and Migration is a logical conclusion of the task it received from the government. We came forward with the initiative and now are helping the committee to fulfill the government’s orders.
“Speaking of the funding for the deportation of illegal aliens, this year’s budget provides for one million hryvnias. By all accounts this amount is not sufficient, which is why we are actively enlisting the cooperation of embassies to contact the detainees’ relatives who would pay for their repatriation. Deportations also take place at the cost of individuals or businesses that invite illegal migrants to Ukraine. Illegal migrants use various schemes to enter Ukraine. For example, where a travel service helped the illegal migrant enter Ukraine, we try to find this company and make it pay the deportation costs. We generally succeed in doing so: individuals or travel services that invite foreigners to Ukraine pay for the deportation of nearly 25% of all detained migrants.”
