Icon
Come back

1 min

27 Nov. 2024

414

Has the programme to return Ukrainians from the Czech Republic failed? What the statistics say

For refugees
Popular
Czech Republic
Has the programme to return Ukrainians from the Czech Republic failed? What the statistics say

Many Ukrainians who have found temporary refuge in the Czech Republic are not yet ready to return home. Find out more about the interest of citizens and why they choose to stay abroad

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad
Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad
GET


Back in June 2024, the Czech Republic decided to launch a program to return Ukrainian refugees to their homeland. Now we can say that few refugees are interested in it.


How many people took advantage of the program?


Although the project envisaged the participation of 430 people, only 11 have taken advantage of it so far. In total, 57 people expressed interest in the program, but some withdrew their applications, deciding to return later or on their own.


Main reasons for low interest


Experts believe that the main reason for the low interest is the unstable security situation in Ukraine. Despite the gradual stabilization in some regions, many refugees are still afraid to return to a country where military operations are ongoing. In addition, in the Czech Republic, most Ukrainian IDPs were able to find jobs or integrate into local communities, which created a new social environment for them.


It is also worth mentioning the bureaucratic restrictions provided by the program. For example, the decision to return requires a single application for financial assistance. If a person wants to return to the Czech Republic again within a year, he or she will have to reimburse half of the funds received. This condition also discourages many people from participating in the program.




Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!




Can the program be extended?


The program, which officially started on June 1, will end on November 30, 2024. However, according to Hana Malá, a spokeswoman for the Czech Ministry of the Interior, the possibility of extending the pilot project for another year is being considered. The Czech authorities believe that the initiative has potential, despite the modest results of the first phase.


The program allocated 5.6 million CZK (approximately 250 thousand euros), of which only 136 thousand CZK were used. This fact also raises questions about the effectiveness of the project and its feasibility in the future.


The case of the first program participant, a 40-year-old Ukrainian woman who returned to Ukraine due to a critical health condition, is illustrative. She used medical transport organized by the Czech side and received palliative care during the transportation. This approach illustrates the individualized support offered by the project.


Despite the significant financial support and efforts of the Czech government, the program of voluntary return of refugees to Ukraine has not yet been able to attract a significant number of Ukrainians. The main reasons for this are the situation in Ukraine, social integration in the Czech Republic, and the restrictions imposed by the program's terms. Time will tell whether the continuation of this project will be more effective.


Just to remind you!
 Pension reform in the Czech Republic has already begun, but changes will be implemented over several years. What are the key features of the pension reform in the Czech Republic and what it means for Ukrainian refugees - read here.


Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.




Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 


Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.




© 2018-2024, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.

Frequantly

asked questions

In which district in the Czech Republic can Ukrainians get free housing?

If you do not have your own housing and want to apply for free housing, you can do so only at the KACPU in Ostrava - housing is provided only in this region. They will also help you apply for temporary protection and health insurance.

How long does a Ukrainian refugee have to register in the Czech Republic?

What are the salaries in the Czech Republic?

Recommended articles

2 min

For refugees Pets at the border: what documents can be used to return to Ukraine?

Pets at the border: what documents can be used to return to Ukraine?

After 24 February 2022, many Ukrainians travelled abroad with their pets. Since then, the rules for crossing the border with pets have improved significantly. Find out what documents you need to have to enter Ukraine with a pet in 2024

27 Nov. 2024

More details

3 min

Transport International trains to and from Ukraine: timetable, prices, countries of connection

International trains to and from Ukraine: timetable, prices, countries of connection

Traveling to and from Ukraine is difficult due to the closed airspace, and therefore you can only cross the border by land. Here is a detailed information about the trains that run between Ukraine and European countries, which can help you get to your destination

26 Nov. 2024

More details

2 min

Insurance How to take out insurance for traveling abroad: answers to common questions

How to take out insurance for traveling abroad: answers to common questions

Every trip abroad should begin with the issuance of an appropriate insurance policy. However, it is not uncommon for Ukrainians to face a number of questions about the choice and rules of insurance. Find out more about the available types of insurance, their cost and peculiarities of registration

27 Nov. 2024

More details

1 min

Travel Finnair cancels almost 300 flights in December: what is known

Finnair cancels almost 300 flights in December: what is known

Finnair has announced large-scale flight cancellations during the December holiday season. Find out more about the reasons for the inconvenience and which destinations are affected

27 Nov. 2024

More details