The Czech Republic has tightened the conditions for Ukrainian refugees
On Monday, the Czech government approved amendments to the law regarding Ukrainian refugees, which tighten certain conditions for their stay in the country. The amendment addresses specific aspects of the legal status and support provisions for Ukrainian citizens currently in the Czech Republic due to the war.
"The amendment will not affect foreigners who work in the Czech Republic and abide by the law. It is primarily aimed at cases of abuse of the system, illegal migration, and individuals who do not respect the current legislation of the Czech Republic," said Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar.
For example, a residence permit will now become invalid if it is found that a foreigner with temporary protection has been outside the Schengen Area for more than 30 days.
Similarly, recipients of humanitarian aid intended for refugees in need must be present in the Czech Republic for at least 16 days during the month for which the aid is paid.
This is intended to prevent individuals who are not in the Czech Republic from receiving humanitarian aid. Refugees will still be able to travel abroad for short periods, for example, to visit relatives or on business, without jeopardizing their right to receive aid.
Metnar noted that, according to data from March, there are 385,040 Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic. “Of these, 90,000 are receiving assistance,” the minister said.
“Since the beginning of this year alone, we have identified several hundred cases of abuse, and since the start of the year, the police have opened more than forty criminal cases involving losses exceeding 18 million crowns,” Metnar calculated.
The amendment also introduces an obligation for certain drivers of vehicles with Ukrainian license plates to register their vehicles in the Czech vehicle registry.
If the amendment passes both chambers of parliament and is signed by the president, it will take effect on January 1, 2027. The section concerning vehicles is set to take effect on January 1, 2028.
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As a reminder, Slovakia has automatically extended the term of temporary protection for Ukrainians who fled Ukraine due to the full-scale war unleashed by Russia until March 4, 2027.
In addition, Ukrainians who have received temporary protection in Ireland can breathe a sigh of relief, as the country’s authorities have automatically extended their immigration permits until March 4, 2027.
Although the EU has extended temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until 2027 and guaranteed them access to housing, the labor market, education, and healthcare, the situation is already changing in many ways.
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