Changes to Refugee Rules in Czech Republic: What Awaits Ukrainians in 2025.

Czech Republic Extends Temporary Protection for Ukrainian Refugees

The Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic has passed laws in the third reading that allow the extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees for another year. The existing law is set to expire at the end of March but will remain in effect until 2025. To receive temporary protection, Ukrainians in the Czech Republic must complete electronic registration by mid-March.

The Czech Minister of the Interior, Vít Rakušan, emphasized that proper registration is crucial for the country's security and for providing support only to those who genuinely reside in the Czech Republic. The bill will be reviewed by the Senate in January and subsequently sent to the president for signature.

The Minister also stated that Ukrainians with stable jobs who do not receive state assistance will be able to obtain a special long-term residence permit. After five years, they will have the right to apply for permanent residency.

Rakušan also mentioned future plans after the end of the war in Ukraine. He noted that temporary protection will be terminated after a ceasefire or the conclusion of hostilities. These issues are being discussed with Poland, which will lead the EU Council next year. Currently, there are about 380,000 Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic. The European Union has extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until 2026.