The Czech Republic is preparing for a possible revision of the rules for the stay of Ukrainian refugees, which may come into force as early as 2026. These are initiatives that provide for restrictions on social payments and benefits for persons who, having temporary protection status, periodically or for a long time return to Ukraine.
This was stated by Tomio Okamura, the Speaker of the Czech Parliament and leader of the Freedom and Direct Democracy party, according to media reports. According to him, the government may soon submit to parliament a package of legislative changes that will concern certain categories of refugees.
Okamura noted that there is growing dissatisfaction among Czech citizens with the current support system. According to him, people are paying attention to cases where Ukrainians, using temporary protection status, go on vacation or return to Ukraine for a long time, but at the same time continue to receive social benefits and benefits from the Czech state.
A specific list of possible changes has not yet been officially made public. At the same time, the politician has already publicly called the current model of assistance to Ukrainians too soft and in need of adjustment.
According to media reports, future rules may be aimed primarily at refugees who have been outside the Czech Republic for a long time. In this case, the state may assume that such individuals are no longer in immediate danger and do not require the same level of support as people who are permanently resident in the country.
If the changes are approved, the right to financial assistance and benefits could be directly tied to actual stay in the Czech Republic. In addition, the possibility of making departures more difficult for persons with temporary protection and strengthening control over compliance with migration rules is being discussed.
It is important that potential innovations may apply not only to Ukrainian citizens, but also to all foreigners staying in the Czech Republic on the basis of temporary residence status.
