On 22-24 April the Division on Migration and Refugees (DMR) carried out a mission to Prague, to collect and analyse information on the protection, reception and integration of war-displaced Ukrainians, Czechia currently hosting around 400 000 of temporary protection (TP) beneficiaries, the highest per capita number. Discussions focused on extensive measures taken by the authorities to enhance inclusion and integration, as well as access to education, health care and the labour market. Data indicate that currently around 90% of households with school-aged children are in Czech schools and approximately 80% of Ukrainians are economically active.
One of the priorities in Czechia has been the provision to Ukrainian TP holders of adequate information on the legal status and the opportunities to transit to other legal immigration statuses in view of the ongoing implementation of the “Ukraine Law VII”, providing the possibility of obtaining long-term residence permits, and the foreseen end of the TP status in March 2027. Additionally, the integration of Ukrainians in the labour market and the educational system have been supported by specific measures encouraging their participation, efforts made to overcome barriers such as language knowledge and recognition of qualifications.
The Ukrainian diaspora that existed in Czechia even before 2022 also plays a significant role, particularly visible in the recently opened Ukrainian Consultation and Community Centre (UCCC) in Prague, which the DMR delegation visited, providing vital assistance and information to the displaced people regarding practical matters related to their daily life and organising awareness raising and cultural events. Noteworthy is also the authorities’ envisaged action to reinforce the existing regional migrant integration centres providing important support and information and enhance migrants’ inclusion all over Czechia.
Meetings were held with representatives of the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, the Public Defender of Rights (Ombudsman) and the Government Commissioner for Human Rights. Useful exchanges also took place with several representatives of civil society organisations, as well as with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organisation for Migration in Prague.
