Digital Transformation Ministry outlines changes introduced by English language law / The New Voice of Ukraine

Much of Ukraine’s public sector workforce will have to pass an English language test to keep their jobs, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the corresponding bill into law on June 26.

Ukraine’s Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov subsequently provided a more detailed outline of the changes introduced by the legislation.

The law designates English as one of the languages of international communication in Ukraine. It mandates certain categories of officials to be proficient in English and introduces changes in education, culture, transportation, and healthcare sectors.

According to Fedorov, the law will create higher-paying jobs, broaden the access to global information resources for Ukrainians, enable direct communication with foreigners without an interpreter, integrate Ukrainian businesses into the global economy, attract foreign investments, enhance administrative and service offerings for foreigners, and improve leisure and tourism options for Ukrainians.

From now on, applicants for the following public sector positions must be proficient in English:

Category A, B, and 5 civil servants;
Heads of local state administrations and their deputies;
Career military officers, sergeants, and senior personnel;
Police officers of middle and senior ranks, heads in law enforcement and civil protection services;
Prosecutors;
Customs and tax officials;
Members of supervisory boards of state-owned enterprises;
Heads of higher education institutions;
Heads of state scientific institutions.