The Czech Republic has emerged as the European Union’s third most frequented refuge for individuals from Ukraine escaping the turmoil of the Russian war, as outlined in recent data disclosed by Eurostat. By the end of June, the nation had offered temporary protection status to a staggering 349,140 Ukrainian refugees, positioning it closely behind Germany (1,133,420) and Poland (977,740) in terms of hosting Ukrainian migrants.

While the Czech Republic has opened its doors to a significant number of refugees, additional data paints a challenging reality. It is estimated that up to 70% of these Ukrainian refugees currently reside below the poverty line. This unsettling revelation comes as part of research conducted by the PAQ Research agency as a component of the Voice of Ukrainians project, which monitors the well-being and integration of Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic.

The number of Ukrainian refugees within the EU experienced a 1.1% surge between the end of May and June, with Germany, the Czech Republic, and Ireland exhibiting the most substantial increases. Within the Czech Republic, this increase stood at 2.7%, accounting for 9,050 people.

Remarkably, considering the population size, the Czech Republic leads the EU in terms of hosting individuals with temporary protection status per capita, with 32.2 individuals per 1,000 inhabitants by the end of June. Poland follows at 26.6, followed by Estonia, Bulgaria, and Lithuania. These figures starkly contrast the EU average of 9.1 per 1,000 inhabitants.

However, the situation for many Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic remains complex. Despite a rise in the employment rate from 45% to 67% for adult refugees over the past year, a significant portion continues to grapple with income poverty. A substantial majority, two-thirds, earn less than CZK 150 per hour after taxes. Moreover, nearly three-fifths are engaged in jobs that do not align with their qualifications.

Language barriers, inadequate recognition of qualifications, and a lack of accessible childcare facilities have been highlighted as key obstacles impeding Ukrainian refugees’ search for stable employment. The research emphasizes the necessity for enhanced Czech language courses, employment support initiatives, and workplace inspections.

The findings underscore the multifaceted challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic, urging for concerted efforts to alleviate poverty and enhance integration prospects. The Voice of Ukrainians project, supported by UNICEF and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, serves as an important platform to monitor and address the evolving needs of these individuals as they seek stability and opportunities in their new homeland.

Article by Prague Forum