On 15 December 2025, billionaire Andrej Babiš returned to power in Prague as the Czech Republic’s new prime minister, heading a 16-member coalition that pairs his centrist ANO movement with the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party and the populist Motorists for Themselves. President Petr Pavel administered the oath of office at Prague Castle, ending Petr Fiala’s pro-Western government.
For global-mobility managers, the immediate headline is the coalition’s aggressive migration platform. SPD, now in charge of the Interior Ministry, has pledged to “halt mass immigration,” accelerate deportations of irregular migrants and revoke residence permits from foreign nationals convicted of repeat offences. The party is also calling for a review of the EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum and says it will oppose any compulsory relocation of asylum seekers within the bloc.
Babiš himself signalled that Czechia will join Hungary, Austria and Slovakia in demanding tougher Schengen-area border controls. He told reporters the government is “ready to prolong police checks on the Slovak frontier and, if needed, introduce similar measures on the border with Austria or Germany.” Business-travel groups fear longer queues for coach passengers and delays for just-in-time freight, especially automotive components moving between Czech and Slovak plants.
![Babiš-Led Coalition Sworn In, Promises Harder Line on Immigration and EU Borders]()
Global mobility teams that need to keep staff moving despite potential new hurdles can turn to VisaHQ for assistance. Through its dedicated Czech Republic portal (https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/), VisaHQ tracks policy shifts in real time and provides end-to-end support for Schengen visas, work permits and residence applications—helping companies navigate document requirements and avoid costly delays.
The new cabinet has also promised to “re-evaluate” labour-migration quotas. While the previous administration steadily expanded fast-track programmes for high-skill hires from India, the Philippines and Indonesia, SPD leaders say those schemes “depress Czech wages.” Employers worry that a freeze—or even a cut—in quotas could deepen skill shortages in IT, aerospace and advanced manufacturing hubs around Brno and Plzeň.
Multinationals with Czech operations should monitor three short-term risks: (1) possible suspension of the Highly Qualified Worker and Key Scientific Personnel programmes during a policy review; (2) stepped-up workplace raids targeting “unreported work” after 1 January 2026, when new labour-inspection rules take effect; and (3) fresh legislative attempts to limit benefits for Ukrainian holders of temporary protection. Companies should budget extra lead-time for work-permit filings in Q1 2026 and prepare talking points for assignees concerned about the political climate.
For global-mobility managers, the immediate headline is the coalition’s aggressive migration platform. SPD, now in charge of the Interior Ministry, has pledged to “halt mass immigration,” accelerate deportations of irregular migrants and revoke residence permits from foreign nationals convicted of repeat offences. The party is also calling for a review of the EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum and says it will oppose any compulsory relocation of asylum seekers within the bloc.
Babiš himself signalled that Czechia will join Hungary, Austria and Slovakia in demanding tougher Schengen-area border controls. He told reporters the government is “ready to prolong police checks on the Slovak frontier and, if needed, introduce similar measures on the border with Austria or Germany.” Business-travel groups fear longer queues for coach passengers and delays for just-in-time freight, especially automotive components moving between Czech and Slovak plants.
Global mobility teams that need to keep staff moving despite potential new hurdles can turn to VisaHQ for assistance. Through its dedicated Czech Republic portal (https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/), VisaHQ tracks policy shifts in real time and provides end-to-end support for Schengen visas, work permits and residence applications—helping companies navigate document requirements and avoid costly delays.
The new cabinet has also promised to “re-evaluate” labour-migration quotas. While the previous administration steadily expanded fast-track programmes for high-skill hires from India, the Philippines and Indonesia, SPD leaders say those schemes “depress Czech wages.” Employers worry that a freeze—or even a cut—in quotas could deepen skill shortages in IT, aerospace and advanced manufacturing hubs around Brno and Plzeň.
Multinationals with Czech operations should monitor three short-term risks: (1) possible suspension of the Highly Qualified Worker and Key Scientific Personnel programmes during a policy review; (2) stepped-up workplace raids targeting “unreported work” after 1 January 2026, when new labour-inspection rules take effect; and (3) fresh legislative attempts to limit benefits for Ukrainian holders of temporary protection. Companies should budget extra lead-time for work-permit filings in Q1 2026 and prepare talking points for assignees concerned about the political climate.
