A recent study in the Czech Republic has revealed a decrease in the number of Ukrainian refugees receiving social benefits, but many still live below the poverty line.
According to research by the Public Opinion Research Center, half of the Ukrainian refugees in the country are financially struggling, despite 80% being employed. Many hold jobs that don’t match their qualifications, and one-third report being unable to meet their basic needs.
The study found that 50% of refugee households had an income below 60% of the median level, which amounted to 18,163 crowns per person last year. Single parents were hit hardest, with 55% living below the poverty threshold.
While 66% of refugees worked full-time or more than 30 hours a week, many were in lower-skilled positions compared to their previous jobs in Ukraine. Refugees’ knowledge of the Czech language also plays a role in employment opportunities, as nearly two-thirds of them can only communicate at a basic level.
Refugees earn an average of 182 crowns per hour, but real income has not kept pace with inflation. Although the number of people earning less than 100 crowns per hour has decreased, a third of those surveyed said their wages were insufficient to cover living expenses.
