The Czech Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs is taking a proactive stance against illegal employment by proposing to expand and publicize a “blacklist” of employers engaged in unlawful activities or those associated with illegal employment agencies. While the blacklist already exists, the planned expansion aims to include additional forms of illegal employment, particularly instances where a company leases its employees to another entity without the proper authorization for employment agency activities.

The expanded blacklist, intended to be publicly accessible, is designed to provide information about companies that have faced fines, serving as a deterrent for job seekers, the general public, and businesses. The goal is to offer transparency, allowing individuals and organizations to make informed decisions and avoid collaboration with companies that violate legal regulations.

Illegal employment often leads to labor exploitation and contributes to a decline in tax and social and health insurance payments. Despite the potential benefits of the proposed expansion, employers are expressing concerns about the impact on competitiveness and the economic viability of their businesses.

Additionally, the proposed amendment introduces a points system for foreigners seeking work permits, favoring individuals with higher qualifications, experience, and linguistic proficiency. The amendment also outlines rules for the length of stay for foreign workers and their families in the Czech Republic.

Approved employers will enjoy preferential processing of requests for foreign workers’ arrival. To be included in the records, an employer must meet specific criteria, including no indebtedness to the state, a two-year period without fines for facilitating illegal work or concealed brokerage, and no repeated penalties exceeding 50,000 crowns for past regulatory violations.

Before implementation, the proposed amendment must undergo approval by the government, parliament, and presidential signature. If approved, it is slated to take effect from January 2026. The move underscores the government’s commitment to curbing illegal employment practices and promoting fair and lawful labor practices in the Czech Republic.

Article by Prague Forum