Slovakia — Crossing Back Surveys with Ukrainian Nationals (April -June 2023)

Since 24 February 2022, refugees from Ukraine and Third Country Nationals (TCNs) have been fleeing to neighbouring countries as a result of the war. As of July 2023, up to six million refugees from Ukraine were recorded across Europe. At the same time, more than 20 million border crossings of Ukrainian and Third- Country refugees and migrants were reported from Ukraine into the neighbouring countries since February 2022. 

IOM has deployed its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) tools since mid-April 2022 to collect individual surveys in neighbouring countries with persons crossing into Ukraine, with the aim to improve the understanding of main profiles, displacement patterns, intentions and needs of those moving into Ukraine.

This report is based on surveys collected in Slovakia between 01 April and 30 June 2023.

Key Findings

• Top countries of stay abroad: Slovakia (72%), Czechia (5%), United Kingdom (2%), Ireland (2%), Austria (1%), Germany (1%) and Poland (1%) .
• Intended destination: 81% to the same oblast of origin, 18% to a different oblast in Ukraine: Zakarpatska (75%), Lvivska (7%), Kyiv city (6%).
• Intentions upon crossing back: 56% going for a short visit, 40% plan to stay in Ukraine.
• Transport to cross back to Ukraine: bus (74%), train (25%), car/minibus (1%).
• Top needs upon crossing back: health services (53%), financial support (22%), employment (15%), medicines (14%), general information (13%), language courses (11%). (more than one answer was possible).
• Groups travelling with children: 68% of groups travelled with children aged less than 18 years.
• Travel mode: 61% alone and 39% in group.
• Experiences of discrimination: 12% experienced discrimination throughout their journey.