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EU PolicyWatch

Database of national-level policy measures

Eurofound's EU PolicyWatch collates information on the responses of government and social partners to the COVID-19 crisis, the war in Ukraine, rising inflation, as well as gathering examples of company practices aimed at mitigating the social and economic impacts.

Factsheet for measure CZ-2022-13/2195 – measures in Czechia

Temporary protection visas for Ukrainian refugees

Víza za účelem dočasné ochrany pro ukrajinské uprchlíky

Country Czechia , applies nationwide
Time period Temporary, 22 March 2022 – 22 March 2023
Context War in Ukraine
Type Legislations or other statutory regulations
Category Measures to prevent social hardship
– Protection of vulnerable groups (beyond employment support)
Author Soňa Veverková (Research Institute for Labour and Social Affairs) and Eurofound
Measure added 26 April 2022 (updated 20 June 2022)

Background information

Since 22 March 2022, Ukrainian refugees have been able to apply for temporary protection visa, which enables, among others, free entry to the Czech labour market.

This type of visa, based on the Act No. 65/2022 Coll., on certain measures in connection with the armed conflict on the territory of Ukraine caused by the invasion of the Russian Federation troops (called Lex Ukraine), replaced visa for a stay over 90 days for leave to remain in the territory (special long-term visa for citizens of Ukraine).

Content of measure

This kind of visa is provided especially to the following persons:

  • To citizens of Ukraine who resided in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 and then left Ukraine.
  • To citizens of Ukraine who entered the Czech Republic legally without a visa or based on a short-term visa and, by 24 February 2022, still resided in the Czech Republic based on this short-term visa or without a visa and at the same time do not have any long-term visa or residence permit issued by another state or temporary protection in another EU country.
  • To third-country nationals, stateless persons and foreigners who were granted some form of international protection in Ukraine and who resided in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 and then left Ukraine.
  • To family members of persons referred in 1–3 points who stayed together in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 and then together left Ukraine.

Ukrainian refugees granted temporary protection visa, are covered by public health insurance for up to 30 days retroactively and are free to entry Czech labour market without any other permits.

Use of measure

According to Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic , as of 23 April 2022, 305,890 of temporary protection visas were published.

Target groups

Workers Businesses Citizens
Does not apply to workers Does not apply to businesses Migrants or refugees

Actors and funding

Actors Funding
National government
EU (Council, EC, EP)
No special funding required

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

Trade unions Employers' organisations
Role Informed Agreed (outcome) incl. social partner initiative
Form Not applicable Direct consultation outside a formal body

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

  • Unknown
  • Main level of involvement: Unknown

Involvement

No information available.

Views and reactions

Supportive, however, trade unions also apply for an immediate termination of economic migration projects which have been realised since 2015 and should have brought foreign workers to the Czech Republic. Trade unions believe that the increasing number of potential employees can negatively affect the rate of unemployment and wage level.

Sources

Citation

Eurofound (2022), Temporary protection visas for Ukrainian refugees, measure CZ-2022-13/2195 (measures in Czechia), EU PolicyWatch, Dublin, https://static.eurofound.europa.eu/covid19db/cases/CZ-2022-13_2195.html

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Disclaimer: This information has not been subject to the full Eurofound evaluation, editorial and publication process.