The Czech cabinet led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš approved on Monday, 25 May 2026, a sweeping amendment that revises seven separate laws governing asylum, the residence of foreigners and the special ‘lex Ukraine’ measures adopted after Russia’s 2022 invasion. Under the proposal, holders of temporary protection (the vast majority of whom are Ukrainian war-displaced persons) would automatically lose their status if they spend more than 30 days outside the Schengen Area or commit a serious crime in Czechia that typically carries the penalty of expulsion. The bill also introduces a new requirement that adults drawing humanitarian benefits must either have a job, be self-employed, or be actively registered with the Labour Office; they must also reside on Czech territory for at least 16 days in the month for which the benefit is claimed. Children, full-time students and pensioners are exempt.
![Czech Government Tightens Temporary Protection Rules for Ukrainian Refugees]()
Individuals and employers trying to stay ahead of these shifting rules may find it useful to consult VisaHQ’s Czech Republic portal (https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/), where up-to-date guidance on Schengen travel limits, work permits and residency paperwork is available alongside streamlined application tools for both personal and corporate clients.
Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar told reporters that more robust rules were needed to prevent benefit tourism and improve security checks. Official figures show that Czechia hosts about 386 000 Ukrainian refugees, but only 90 000 received humanitarian support in March. The ministry says more than 40 criminal investigations into benefit fraud have been launched this year. Business groups are watching the changes closely. Ukrainian nationals make up a large share of the workforce in construction, logistics and hospitality, and employers worry that overly strict travel limits could disrupt seasonal work patterns. The government counters that the 30-day Schengen limit still allows workers to visit family in Ukraine or take assignments in neighbouring EU states without losing protection. The amendment must still pass the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, but the ruling ANO-SPD coalition holds a comfortable majority. If adopted, most provisions would take effect on 1 August 2026, giving companies and aid organisations just over two months to adapt compliance procedures, update HR policies and inform employees of the new residency rules.
Individuals and employers trying to stay ahead of these shifting rules may find it useful to consult VisaHQ’s Czech Republic portal (https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/), where up-to-date guidance on Schengen travel limits, work permits and residency paperwork is available alongside streamlined application tools for both personal and corporate clients.
Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar told reporters that more robust rules were needed to prevent benefit tourism and improve security checks. Official figures show that Czechia hosts about 386 000 Ukrainian refugees, but only 90 000 received humanitarian support in March. The ministry says more than 40 criminal investigations into benefit fraud have been launched this year. Business groups are watching the changes closely. Ukrainian nationals make up a large share of the workforce in construction, logistics and hospitality, and employers worry that overly strict travel limits could disrupt seasonal work patterns. The government counters that the 30-day Schengen limit still allows workers to visit family in Ukraine or take assignments in neighbouring EU states without losing protection. The amendment must still pass the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, but the ruling ANO-SPD coalition holds a comfortable majority. If adopted, most provisions would take effect on 1 August 2026, giving companies and aid organisations just over two months to adapt compliance procedures, update HR policies and inform employees of the new residency rules.
