Arriving in France to flee the war in Ukraine, they are mainly mothers, elderly people or people with vulnerable health. Since March 2022, the European Union has granted them temporary protection status, a temporary residence permit with which Ukrainian nationals can work. But in certain cases, professional integration, necessary for their emancipation and survival, is difficult.
From our special correspondent to Metz, in Moselle, in the east of France,
Every Thursday afternoon, in the small room of the Ukrainian Center in Metz, Olga comes to take a few French lessons, but she never stays very long. She arrived from Kharkiv in March 2022 with her 10-year-old son, who brought with her the trauma of war. “ His level is excellent, but he doesn't speak, he doesn't eat, he doesn't stay for lunch in the canteen and I have to go to school four times every day, Olga testifies. Sometimes he has a panic attack when there are a lot of people. His leg is paralyzed. I think it's not psychological, it's psychiatric…”
Olga lives with her son, her only family, in a home. Pharmacist in Ukraineshe dreams of an apartment of her own to rebuild herself in complete privacy. But for that, you need a job. “ I would have to complete three years of training to validate that I am a pharmacist. Now it's impossible, she regrets. I work as a housekeeper. Before lunch, I do some cleaning. Afterwards, I take my son. After lunch, I go back to school and then I do some more cleaning. All these obstacles are hard. Sometimes I can't do it. »
Also readA UNHCR report on Ukrainian refugees in France highlights the benefit of supported citizen accommodation
« My diploma, my experience now, it's nothing. »
Next to her, Valentina arrived in France with her four children under her arm and cannot find work. It is with a lump in her throat that she recounts her new life. “ I worked as a nurse or medical assistant. I love my job. Unfortunately, it is not possible to have an equivalent here. Because my diploma, my experience now, it doesn't work. It's nothing. »
His only solution, retake the medical exams. But for that, you have to obtain a French language certificate and therefore take courses. Difficult to fit in when you're alone. “ Four kids is a lot of work. At home, I am very busy with the children. There's always someone sick. »
Like many families, Valentina will have to leave the social housing she occupies at the end of the winter break, in March 2025, the date on which the temporary protection of Ukrainians in Europe officially ends.
To listen in The international guest“We will not dismantle the solidarity tools for welcoming Ukrainians,” assures Joseph Zimet
France
