Prague, August 21, 2023 – The Czech Republic has announced the implementation of a comprehensive initiative aimed at facilitating the voluntary repatriation of refugees to Ukraine. The program, devised by the government, will encompass a range of support provisions and partial expense coverage to aid refugees in their return journey. The move comes in tandem with an amendment to the Lex Ukrajina legislation, extending temporary refuge for refugees for an additional year, until the end of March 2025.

According to the Interior Ministry, the number of refugees from Ukraine currently holding temporary visas in the Czech Republic stands at approximately 360,900, with women and children constituting the majority. The introduction of this initiative reflects a response to the escalating requests from these refugees for assistance in returning to their homeland.

The authors of the legislative amendment emphasize that while the situation in Ukraine remains complex and challenging, extending assistance to those expressing a desire to return is a prudent step. The prevailing circumstances, including the ongoing conflict, indicate that the return of refugees to their homeland is not imminent.

The extension of temporary refuge for Ukrainian refugees aligns with existing foreigner-related laws governing voluntary return. The Ministry of the Interior will cover transportation costs, whether by bus or air, and provide administrative support to ease the repatriation process. However, recognizing the need for specialized support, the government is introducing a focused program that defines the scope of state aid for war-affected refugees who opt for voluntary repatriation.

This initiative will offer a one-time provision of financial support to aid refugees in their return. Should these individuals later seek a long-term visa within a specified timeframe, they will be required to reimburse half of the provided aid before their residence application can be considered. Failure to return the sum will result in the ineligibility of their residence permit application.

Recent survey results conducted by PAQ Research in collaboration with sociologists from the Academy of Sciences highlight evolving trends among refugees. As of June, a quarter of the respondents expressed a clear intention to return to Ukraine, representing a decline from the one-third reported the previous year. Meanwhile, half of the respondents conveyed a desire to remain abroad.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) issued a statement in June, underscoring the ongoing humanitarian needs in Ukraine. Despite reconstruction efforts, the comprehensive return of individuals remains a formidable challenge. The UNHCR has recommended that host nations facilitate journeys for refugees without withdrawing protection, thereby aiding refugees in their decision-making process.

The Czech Republic’s move to establish this initiative is also linked to changes in financial support introduced in July, which have led to discussions among refugees regarding the feasibility of their ongoing stay. Labor Minister Marian Jurečka (KDU-ČSL) has countered assertions that these changes have adversely affected refugees, citing enhanced activity and employment rates as a result.

As the Czech Republic embarks on this endeavor, it remains attentive to the evolving needs of Ukrainian refugees and strives to balance humanitarian assistance with the complex realities of the situation in Ukraine.

Article by Prague Forum