The Czech Minister of the Interior, Vít Rakušan, stated that after the announcement of a ceasefire or the end of the war, Ukrainians in the Czech Republic will no longer be granted temporary protection.
This decision is aimed at preventing a secondary wave of refugees, including men who wish to join their families in the Czech Republic. They will have to apply for residence permits just like other foreigners.
Men who already have families in the Czech Republic will not receive automatic protection and will have to go through the usual bureaucratic procedure, where their application may be either accepted or rejected.
Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic remain due to temporary protection, which is extended annually. After the war or ceasefire, this protection will be automatically lifted, but refugees will be allowed to stay in the Czech Republic for a certain period, for example, up to a year and a half. During this time, they will be required to switch to the regular stay regime, applicable to all foreign nationals.
Rakušan noted that about 50% of refugees express a desire to stay in the Czech Republic, but experience shows that some may change their minds or move to other countries. According to him, the Czech Republic is ready for various scenarios and is actively collaborating with Poland to develop the relevant documents.
Plans are in place to create centers to help Ukrainians return to Ukraine, with the involvement of Ukrainian workers who will assist with employment and housing. Rakušan also mentioned that Germany, Poland, and Austria are in talks to establish such centers, and the Czech Republic plans to launch a similar center.
The minister also clarified that in the coming months, the Czech Republic, Poland, and other EU countries will continue working on documents that will define the procedures for the return of Ukrainians, with a decision to be made at the level of the European Union.
