The Ministry of the Interior of Czechia has prepared extensive changes to migration legislation that could significantly affect Ukrainians with temporary protection. Among the main innovations is the possible automatic termination of status after 30 days of absence from the country. This is reported by ProUkraїnu.cz.
Czechia Wants to Tighten Control over Temporary Protection
The Ministry of the Interior of Czechia presented the so-called "security amendment" - a package of changes to seven laws. The authorities explain that the new rules aim to strengthen control over the presence of foreigners and reduce abuse of social support.
One of the key provisions provides for the automatic termination of temporary protection if a person is outside of Czechia for more than 30 days.
If the document is approved by the government and parliament, most of the changes will come into force on January 1, 2027.
What Other Changes Are Being Prepared for Ukrainians in Czechia
The new rules will also apply to a special permit for long-term stay ZDP. Stricter checks are planned for obtaining it, including regarding tax debts and security.
Specific changes will affect humanitarian aid. The government wants to better control who is truly entitled to payments.
New requirements are also being prepared for owners of vehicles with Ukrainian license plates:
- from 2027, cars will need to be registered in the Czech registry;
- newly arrived Ukrainians will have six months for this;
- from 2028, the operation of unregistered cars will become impossible.
The Ministry of the Interior of Czechia states that the changes are a response to new security challenges in Europe.
It is worth noting that the leader of the Freedom and Direct Democracy Party (SPD) and Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of Czechia, Tomio Okamura, announced negotiations with the European Union regarding the termination of temporary protection for Ukrainian men of conscription age.