A support centre for Ukrainians in Košice, November 28, 2022. (source: František Iván)
Košice, the second-largest Slovak city, has unveiled a Strategy for Foreigner Integration to address the growing number of foreign residents. City councillors approved the plan on Wednesday, December 11, reports Korzár website.
Košice is home to nearly 22,000 foreigners, accounting for almost 10 percent of its total population, according to data provided by the Foreigners’ Police. Over 18,000 of these are from non-EU countries, while around 3,400 are EU nationals. Among them, nearly 2,000 have permanent residency, over 9,400 hold temporary residency, and approximately 6,800 have tolerated residency.
According to city officials, the number of foreigners has risen significantly since 2018, with a sharp increase between 2022 and 2023, largely due to the war in Ukraine. “The trend of growth was evident even before,” the city stated. By the end of 2023, the majority of foreigners were aged 18–60 (72 percent), with children and young people under 17 comprising 18 percent. Ukrainians made up the largest group, accounting for 62.8 percent of foreign residents.
More foreigners will find a home in Košice
The city highlighted that the foreign population is predominantly of working age and contributes economically, rather than relying on public services. However, Košice admits to gaps in data collection, which hampers a comprehensive understanding of the needs of foreigners, including vulnerable groups.
Looking ahead, the city anticipates further growth in immigration with the arrival of Volvo’s new plant in Valaliky, expected to employ 7,200 workers by late 2026. Foreigners are expected to work there, too.
“Foreign workers often take on jobs that are less appealing to the domestic workforce, filling labour gaps,” the document also notes. It also praises foreigners running businesses in Košice who contribute to the local economy on par with domestic residents through taxes and levies. “Those engaged in entrepreneurship often introduce new services and products that revitalise the local economy and diversify the market. In many cases, they also create job opportunities for the local population.”
Support centre for foreigners
To support integration, Košice plans to establish an Integration Unit within City Hall by the first quarter of 2025. This will include a Support Centre for Foreigners and a First Contact Office, with a projected budget of €219,000 for next year, funded externally. The city also aims to allocate €10,000 to develop a centralised data system for tracking and analysing immigrant residency.
The city emphasises that it must be prepared for future refugee crises and will continue to create opportunities for children and young adults, particularly among Ukrainian refugees, to ensure that they can thrive in adulthood.
