According to the latest data from Poland’s national statistics agency, cited by Business Insider, the number of Ukrainians working in Poland at the end of March this year dropped to 653,500 – a more than 9% decrease compared to March last year.

The decrease translates to almost 67,000 fewer Ukrainian workers in Poland.

Ukrainians make up the largest share of foreign workers in Poland, comprising almost 70% of workers from abroad, according to the national statistics agency.

This means that, although the number of workers from countries such as Georgia and Moldova saw a higher percentage decrease in the same period than among those from Ukraine, the reduction of the Ukrainian workforce is more noticeable, according to Business Insider.

The news outlet suggested that many Ukrainians have left Poland for jobs in western European countries that offer high-paid opportunities, such as Germany.

It also predicted a further decrease in the coming months, as the number of Ukrainian men working in Poland could drop following changes introduced by Kyiv to military mobilization laws in May.

The new legislation requires Ukrainian men – including those living or working abroad – to update their details on an online military register.

Ukrainian nationals who fail to do so could be denied consular services, including passport renewal.