Extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians in the Czech Republic: Senate approves ‘Lex Ukrajina’ bill

The Senate of the Czech Republic failed to pass the law on the extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians, but it was still passed to the President for signature. Find out all the details of the debate that lasted 5 hours and the innovations that await Ukrainians in the Czech Republic in 2025

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The Senate of the Czech Republic submitted the Lex Ukraina law to the President for his signature, which provides for the extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians for another year. Despite the fact that the Senate failed to pass the law due to several questionable issues, it was eventually adopted, as 52 out of 73 lawmakers who did not support the document did not submit their own amendments. Read all the details of the consideration of the draft law in the article.

What issues related to Ukrainian refugees were controversial?

The most controversial issues were the following:

- criminal liability for activities in favour of a foreign state;

- the establishment of stricter rules for granting Czech citizenship to Russians (only if they have previously renounced Russian citizenship);

- allowing school principals to announce a later date for enrolment of Ukrainian children in the first three grades.

The adoption of the Lex Ukraina law will help Ukrainian refugees in this territory to feel confident and make clear plans for their stay in the country.

‘There is a real risk that hundreds of thousands of people are currently living in the Czech Republic in uncertainty about their further stay in the territory of the Czech Republic on the basis of a temporary protection document. Further prolongation of this situation will complicate the lives of not only the refugees in the Czech Republic, but also the authorities and employers, as employers naturally expect that people who are employees of their companies have a proper residence status. And they are legally registered in the territory of the Czech Republic,’ emphasised Vit Rakusan, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.

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What opportunities does the Lex Ukraina law give Ukrainians?

Currently, 393,000 refugees from Ukraine remain in the Czech Republic. Thanks to the new law, Ukrainian refugees will be able to extend their temporary protection for another year, which is guaranteed by the EU. The EU Council has decided to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until the end of March 2026.

You need to register in the Czech Republic by 15 March - the protection indicated in the refugee documents expires on the last day of March.

Read more about how much longer temporary protection for Ukrainians in the Czech Republic will be extended here.

How was the issue of Russian citizenship resolved?

There are 25,000 Russians permanently residing in the Czech Republic, and another 13,000 Russian citizens are staying in the Czech Republic as part of a special programme to support Russian civil society, which was introduced after 24 February 2012.

The Czech Republic has no plans to expel Russians from the country unless they pose a security threat. However, dual citizenship remains unacceptable, as ‘it can be used to conceal activities that could undermine the security of the state’.

‘The obligation to renounce Russian citizenship will not apply to persons who are under the protection of the Czech Republic in the form of asylum, as well as to persons whose stay here is in the interests of the Czech Republic,’ the First Deputy Prime Minister explained.

If you are planning to migrate anywhere in the world, please contact our specialists for assistance. Visa and document processing, notarisation, border crossing, job and housing search - you don't need to do it alone! Our experts can help you at any time.

Just a reminder! Earlier, we told you that Ukrainians in the Czech Republic can receive financial assistance in case of an emergency.

Photo: Channel 24

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