Article
3 min read
Author
Michał Kowalewski
Published
March 27, 2024
Last Update
July 10, 2024
Table of Contents
What employers need to know before running background checks in Ukraine
Are background checks legal in Ukraine?
What types of background checks are illegal in Ukraine?
Industries where background checks are common in Ukraine
Types of background checks in Ukraine
Background check mistakes to avoid in Ukraine
Step-by-step guide to employee background checks in Ukraine
Employee background checks should be an integral part of your hiring process in Ukraine. Although not mandatory, they are a common practice, especially in finance, healthcare, education, government agencies, security and law enforcement.
Despite the ongoing conflict, global companies facing talent shortages may consider Ukraine's skilled workforce, especially in STEM fields. Ukrainian professionals offer competitive rates, strong English skills, and are accustomed to remote collaboration. Their resilience and motivation, shaped by adversity, could provide companies with dedicated partners and contribute to Ukraine's economic recovery.
In such a volatile hiring environment, conducting thorough and compliant background checks can help global employers mitigate risks and build trust with qualified Ukrainian talent.
In this article, we’ll cover:
An employee background check is the process of verifying a potential hire’s work history, education, professional qualifications, and any criminal records they might have. It’s particularly beneficial to run before finalizing an employment offer or signing a contract, ensuring the candidate meets the company's standards and requirements
In Ukraine, employee background checks are governed by Ukraine’s Law of 1 June 2010 No. 2997-VI on Personal Data Protection (as amended) and the Ukrainian Parliament’s Commissioner for Human Rights, also called Ombudsman
Ukraine's Law of 1 June 2010 No. 2997-VI on Personal Data Protection is designed to regulate the processing of personal data to protect individuals' privacy rights. It establishes the principles for data processing, rights of data subjects, and responsibilities of data controllers. The law also outlines the conditions under which personal data can be processed and transferred, emphasizing the need for data subjects' consent and legal compliance
The Ukrainian Parliament's Commissioner for Human Rights, also known as the Ombudsman, is responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with personal data protection laws in Ukraine. This office plays a crucial role in overseeing the lawful processing of personal data and protecting individuals' rights concerning their personal information
It’s worth noting that the conflict in Ukraine could affect how laws are implemented, including data protection rules. War conditions might lead to changes or pauses in some legal standards to meet national security needs. Still, the main aims of data protection, like safeguarding personal rights, are expected to continue, possibly with some war-related adjustments.
Background checks are legal in Ukraine, provided they comply with the country's data protection and privacy laws.
Employers are permitted to conduct pre-employment background checks, including verification of educational credentials, employment history, and criminal records, as long as the process aligns with the legal requirements.
However, it is crucial for employers to obtain the candidate's consent before initiating a background check, as mandated in Ukraine's Law of 1 June 2010 No. 2997-VI on Personal Data Protection. Although it’s not specified in the law, written consent is recommended for documentation and compliance purposes.
The Ukrainian privacy laws set strict boundaries for employee background checks. Here's what global employers should absolutely stay clear of:
Background checks are a common practice in Ukraine, particularly in sectors where safety, security, and regulatory compliance are paramount. Here's a breakdown of industries that heavily utilize background checks:
Effective employment screening in Ukraine covers essential aspects to evaluate a candidate's abilities. Knowing these areas helps employers tailor screening processes to meet job requirements and legal standards.
Type of Check | Common in Ukraine? | Reason |
---|---|---|
Criminal record check | Common | Widely used across industries to assess a candidate's criminal history and ensure workplace safety |
Employment history verification | Common | Essential for confirming a candidate's work experience and assessing their qualifications for the position |
Reference check | Common | Employers frequently contact provided references to gain valuable insights into a candidate's professional conduct and performance |
Credit history check | Less common | While less prevalent, some financial institutions may request credit history checks to evaluate a candidate's financial responsibility |
Professional license verification | Common | Commonly utilized in regulated industries to validate the authenticity of a candidate's professional licenses or certifications |
Drug testing | Less common | While typically less common, drug testing may be implemented in safety-sensitive industries to maintain a secure working environment |
Whether you’re hiring employees or contractors in Ukraine, there are a few things you shouldn’t do as an employer when it comes to background checks:
Employers looking to hire in Ukraine should follow the list of steps below to ensure legal and effective and thorough employee background checks.
You can also automate this process using Deel, and get a fast employee background check, with results coming in a matter of minutes.
Many of our processes and compliance certifications require that we conduct background checks on all full-time consultants and employees of the company. Deel makes this easy as the background check is a seamless add-on during the onboarding process. It's quick, there's no duplication of information, and the report is saved within the team member's profile for easy reference in the future.
—Audrey McNicholas,
Head of Business Operations, Condor
There’s no need for HR to log into yet another platform or manually chase documents. With screenings in over 200 countries and territories (and counting), for employees and contractors, you can manage background checks for global hires with a single source of truth without leaving the Deel platform.
Are you looking for an easy and safe way to run a background check? Get results within minutes with Deel.
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