Czech government approves stricter conditions for Ukrainians under temporary protection

The Czech government has approved amendments to legislation on Ukrainian refugees that would introduce stricter residency and humanitarian assistance requirements for some Ukrainians holding temporary protection status.

Source: Czech news agency Novinky, as reported by European Pravda

Details: "The amendment will not affect foreigners who work in Czechia and comply with the law. It is aimed primarily at cases involving abuse of the system, illegal migration and people who do not respect Czech legislation," Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar said.

For example, a residence permit will now become invalid if a foreign national under temporary protection is found to have stayed outside the Schengen Area for more than 30 days.

Recipients of humanitarian assistance intended for refugees in need will also be required to spend at least 16 days per month in Czechia during the month for which the benefit is paid.

The measure is intended to prevent humanitarian assistance from being claimed by people who are not actually present in Czechia. Refugees will still be able to travel abroad for short periods, for example to visit relatives or for business purposes, without jeopardising their entitlement to support.

Metnar said that as of March, 385,040 Ukrainian refugees were living in Czechia. "Of these, 90,000 receive assistance," he added.

"Since the beginning of this year alone, we have uncovered several hundred cases of abuse, and the police have opened more than 40 criminal cases involving losses exceeding CZK 18 million," Metnar noted.

The amendment would also require certain drivers of vehicles with Ukrainian registration plates to register their vehicles in the Czech vehicle register.

If the amendment passes both chambers of parliament and is signed by the president, it will enter into force on 1 January 2027. The provisions relating to vehicles are expected to take effect on 1 January 2028.

Background:

• European Pravda previously reported that discussions are still ongoing within the European Union on the possibility of extending temporary protection for Ukrainians for another year.
• The Temporary Protection Directive, introduced in March 2022, granted millions of Ukrainians access to a range of rights in the EU without overburdening asylum systems.
• Initially designed as a short-term emergency measure, the directive has been extended multiple times and is currently in force until 4 March 2027.
• A recent UN report has projected that if a "fragile peace with concessions" were achieved in the Russia-Ukraine war this year, over half of the current number of Ukrainian refugees would remain in Europe until the end of 2029.

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