The Czech government has approved a comprehensive bill that fundamentally changes the regulation of foreigners’ stay in the country. The planned migration reform emphasizes the digitization of procedures, but at the same time raises concerns among human rights defenders due to the likelihood of increasing migrants’ dependence on employers.
This is reported by Finway
“The migration reform entails a global digitization of processes, but at the same time raises serious concerns among human rights defenders due to the risks of increasing migrants’ dependence on employers.”
Impact of the Reform on Ukrainian Refugees
Currently, the new bill primarily concerns foreigners with traditional residence permits and does not cover Ukrainians who have temporary protection status. If the document is approved by parliament, it will come into effect on January 1, 2029. Meanwhile, those Ukrainians who decide to stay in the Czech Republic after the expiration of temporary protection (which ends in 2027) and obtain regular residence permits will be subject to new, stricter rules.
Changes for Ukrainians: Lex Ukrajina 7 and Reduction of Benefits
At the same time, the Czech government is preparing special amendments specifically for Ukrainian refugees. According to parliamentary speaker Tomio Okamura, the seventh edition of the temporary protection law (Lex Ukrajina) and a security amendment are being developed. Although the final details are unknown, experts are already discussing the potential further tightening of requirements for Ukrainians and the likely reduction of social support.
Main Innovations After 2029 for Foreigners
A key innovation will be the implementation of the digital system ICAS, which will allow all procedures for foreigners to be conducted online — from submitting documents to tracking status. Access to user profiles will be granted to the police, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the migration service.
The dependence of foreign workers on employers will also significantly increase, as employers will be required to notify the state of any changes in employment or the migrant’s status.
Economic Contribution of Ukrainians in the Czech Republic
Despite political statements about the need to reduce payments, official statistics show that Ukrainians are making a significant contribution to the Czech economy. Currently, over 210,000 Ukrainian refugees are officially employed in the country. According to the Czech government, in the first three quarters of 2025 alone, tax revenues paid by Ukrainians exceeded humanitarian aid expenditures by two times. The overall positive effect on the budget amounted to 11.7 billion crowns.
It was previously reported that after March 2027, the Czech government may consider options for canceling temporary protection for certain categories of Ukrainians.