Tired of financing and cut by more than a third: Czech Republic has reduced benefits for Ukrainian refugees

Czech Republic has tightened the conditions for providing assistance to Ukrainian refugees in order to save funds in the budget.

Seznam Zprávy reported on this.

According to information from the Czech government, which the publication obtained, Prague has reduced expenses for Ukrainian refugees by more than a third. This saving is related to the law “lex Ukrajina,” which revises the payments to refugees and came into effect in July.

In June 2023, Czech Republic spent nearly 71 million euros on humanitarian aid and solidarity grants, but by July, these expenses decreased to 46 million euros.

Minister of Labor Marian Jurečka confirmed that the change in conditions has led to a significant reduction in expenses. According to him, some refugees left the country and returned to Ukraine, while others decided to find work in Czech Republic to cover their needs.

Currently, Czech Republic has registered 325,742 Ukrainians with temporary protection – making it one of the European countries that host the largest number of Ukrainian refugees per capita. According to Czech Republic’s labor bureau, in July, nearly 110,000 refugees with temporary protection were employed.

As of July, people residing in registered apartments receive housing assistance of 125 euros per month. Additionally, refugees receive humanitarian aid.

Children, students, and elderly people are eligible for higher assistance – around 200 euros per month – while others receive around 130 euros. People with disabilities receive additional benefits.

According to various polls, nearly half of the Czech population do not support the presence of Ukrainian refugees in the country.