The Czech Republic is looking to scrap protection for Ukrainian men and is drafting a strict law on refugees

In the Czech Republic, there is discussion of tough measures against Ukrainian refugees. Radical politicians are calling for men of conscription age to be stripped of their refugee status and are drafting a strict law for all displaced persons, including new rules regarding vehicles. Find out whether aid could be withdrawn in defiance of EU decisions and what Ukrainians can expect

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Czech politicians are putting forward radical proposals regarding the presence of Ukrainian citizens in the country. At the centre of the debate are plans to revoke temporary protection status for Ukrainian men of conscription age, as well as the development of a wide-ranging and stricter set of restrictions for all refugees.

Temporary protection in the Czech Republic under threat for men

Tomio Okamura, leader of the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, has openly stated the need for a radical review of the conditions under which Ukrainians are allowed to stay. According to him, the Czech Republic is already in talks with the European Union about ending temporary protection specifically for men of conscription age from Ukraine. The politician argues that there are now ‘too many’ refugees in the country and that the situation must change.

Moreover, Okamura advocates for the swiftest possible revocation of refugee status for all Ukrainian citizens. As an argument, he cites the claim that some refugees allegedly travel regularly to their homeland “on holiday”, which calls into question their need for asylum.

New law on foreigners in the Czech Republic: what will change for Ukrainians

Amid calls to cut support, the SPD is finalising a new version of the law on foreigners. This document is expected to significantly tighten the rules on staying in the country, and these restrictions will directly affect Ukrainians with temporary protection status.

The changes will affect not only general living conditions but also specific everyday aspects. The new law pays particular attention to transport: there are plans to introduce new, strict rules for vehicles with Ukrainian number plates, including a special, more rigorous procedure for technical inspections.

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Extension of temporary protection until 2027

Despite the high-profile statements of certain politicians, the Czech Republic does not have the right to unilaterally abolish the temporary protection mechanism or make changes to it. This matter is decided exclusively at the level of the European Union.

Currently, the 27 EU member states have decided to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 2027. Current European regulations apply to all Ukrainian citizens who have been granted asylum, without exception, and make no distinction regarding men of conscription age. For the initiatives of Czech politicians to take effect, they must secure the support of other states and amend legislation at the EU-wide level.

What will happen to Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic

Tomio Okamura has sharply criticised the EU-wide decision to extend the status until 2027, calling it a ‘dictatorship from Brussels’. Such rhetoric has understandably sparked a wave of concern among the Ukrainian diaspora.

Representatives of civil society organisations note that people are increasingly sensing a shift in sentiment within Czech society. Due to political uncertainty, high-profile statements about the abolition of refugee status and the threat of tougher legislation, many refugees find themselves in a state of psychological limbo, fearing for their future in the country.

If you’re unsure which status is right for your specific situation, it’s worth consulting with an immigration lawyer — the Visit Ukraine platform offers this option, where you can receive professional legal assistance online.

Reminder! The EU Special Envoy for Ukrainians, Ilva Johansson, expects temporary protection to be extended for another year — until March 2028. Find out what conditions and recommendations she has set out for the more than four million Ukrainians in the European Union.

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