Czechia Extends Temporary Protection for Ukrainian Refugees Until March 2025

The Ministry of the Interior of the Czechia Republic has announced that temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees will be extended for another year until the end of March 2025.

Through an announcement issued on September 13, the Ministry said such a decision was presented in the latest revision of the Temporary Protection Act.

“The proposal from the workshop of the Ministry of the Interior provides, among other things, that if, according to assumptions, temporary protection for refugees from the Russian war is extended at the level of the EU Council, this option will also apply in the Czech Republic,” the statement reads.

The same authority also suggests the initiation of voluntary supported repatriations to Ukraine.

As Interior Minister Vít Rakušan explains, considering the possible extension of temporary protection for those affected by Putin’s war by the European Union Council, the EU must have the legislation in order. According to him, the country intends to offer assistance to those refugees who, despite the ongoing conflict, wish to return to their country, perhaps for family reasons.

At the same time, he noted that this assistance would not include the provision of cash support but would consist of the purchase of tickets and, in exceptional circumstances, emergency accommodation costs before departure.

The Czech Republic had previously implemented a comparable approach, such as during the economic crisis in 2009 when it helped many foreign workers who had lost their jobs in the country.

Moreover, the Ministry of Interior revealed that the proposal also includes some changes in the education sector. As Ukrainian teachers have had enough time in the Czech Republic to improve their Czech language skills, there are plans to eliminate the exemption from the Czech language requirement.

In July of this year, the authorities initiated the DoToho project as a sign of solidarity with those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

Through this project, Ukrainian managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will receive mentoring from leading Czech business mentors to empower and uplift those affected by the conflict.

Commenting on this decision, the European Union emphasised that the DoToho project for UA offers Ukrainian SME managers the opportunity to access mentorship from experienced professionals.

He added that these mentors will help them overcome obstacles, refine their business strategies, and improve their leadership skills.