Olga, a native of the Chernihiv region who has been living on one of the Spanish islands for two years, shared her experience of living abroad and explained why many Ukrainian refugees are leaving Germany and moving to other European countries, particularly Spain.
This is reported by Finway
Main Reasons for Moving to Spain
According to Olga, despite the financial support, housing, and other assistance provided to Ukrainians in Germany, many compatriots face psychological pressure and bullying, both among adults and children. She notes that this issue has gained significant attention within the Ukrainian community abroad after a follower reached out to her with a related story. Olga’s video on this topic received considerable feedback, demonstrating that such experiences are common among many Ukrainians in Germany.
“Now I will tell and explain. Firstly, Spain provides benefits. They immediately settle you in a camp (for refugees – Ed.). Despite the fact that Germany has great benefits, immediate housing, education, and so on, Ukrainians are fleeing from there. Why are they fleeing? Due to bullying, firstly, towards children and adults. I didn’t even suspect it until a follower wrote to me. Then I posted a video that went viral, and I saw that this is a pain for many Ukrainians in Germany,” Olga shares.
Olga also emphasized that Spain is one of the few countries that accepts Ukrainians even after they have already received temporary protection in other EU states. Among other advantages of living in Spain, she highlighted the absence of bullying, a safe environment for children in schools, and the ability to feel at ease on the streets.
Temporary Protection System for Ukrainians
On her social media, Olga regularly discusses the specifics of life on the island and offers consultations to those planning to move. She notes that the temporary protection system for Ukrainians in Spain is in place, although there can be long wait times due to the high number of applicants.
Other Ukrainian women are also sharing their experiences of life and adaptation abroad. Oksana Vashchenko, who moved to Italy after the full-scale invasion began, runs a blog about relationships, adaptation, and finding new opportunities. Another Ukrainian, a participant in the TV show “Supermama,” candidly showcased the conditions in which Ukrainian refugees live and shared her own experiences. And Irina, who is abroad, admits that she finds it difficult to establish her personal life in a new place, which she shares with her followers on social media.