Czech Republic tightens conditions for receiving benefits for Ukrainian refugees

Czech authorities have drafted a bill that significantly tightens the requirements for receiving social payments by holders of temporary protection — primarily Ukrainian refugees.

This is reported by ČTK.

Under the initiative, a benefit applicant must be employed, registered with an employment service, or running a business in the Czech Republic. In addition, a physical presence requirement is being introduced: a refugee must be on Czech territory for at least 16 days in the month for which the payment is made.

The bill also provides for stricter conditions for granting a special long-term residence permit. An applicant must have no tax debts, and if false information is provided in an application, their registration may be terminated.

In a separate provision, the authors of the document propose tougher penalties for refugees convicted of crimes related to the illegal crossing of state borders.

Furthermore, the bill envisages abolishing the exemption from fees for the recognition of foreign educational qualifications for holders of temporary protection. Drivers with Ukrainian license plates will be required to register their vehicles in the Czech vehicle registry.

According to the Czech Interior Ministry, more than 386,000 people have registered for temporary protection in the country.

Last week, similar changes were introduced in Poland, where the rules for providing payments for children of Ukrainian refugees were adjusted. Now only employed Ukrainians legally residing in the country whose children attend a Polish school are eligible for them.