Two years into the crisis, the Czech Republic remains one of the main destinations for refugees from Ukraine in the EU, hosting the highest number of refugees from Ukraine per capita and ranking third in total refugees from Ukraine among EU member states, after Germany and Poland.29 Between January and March 2023, Czech authorities re-registered refugees in-country to update the figures and collect further information on refugees’ vu nera i ities and eve of integration.

From the onset of the refugee crisis, the Czech authorities adopted a generous and effective stance towards refugees, which included recognizing basic rights, such as medical assistance, education, and labour rights, and offering services such as cost-free humanitarian housing and financial assistance.30 A change in legislation occurred in July 2023 with the introduction of the Lex Ukraine V. This framework places greater emphasis on self-sufficiency, amending the eligibility for free humanitarian accommodation to 150 days after arrival, with exceptions for vulnerable groups.31 These changes resulted in the emergence of new needs and areas of focus and response, in particular for individuals falling outside the eligibility criteria for support but struggling or unable to secure decent employment opportunities.

In the draft Strategy for Integration and Adaptation of Refugees from Ukraine, the Czech Government reiterates its commitment to bolster support for refugees from Ukraine by emphasizing greater inclusivity and socio-economic inclusion of refugees, moving away from the emergency response phase. Key goals include labour market integration, especially for women with children.
The Government aims to help refugees transition to regular housing and improve access to Czech language courses. They recognize the importance of healthcare and education, focusing on Ukrainian children, especially those aged 15-18, to prevent disengagement.

Collaborative efforts between the Government and RRP partners are indispensable to effectively tackle the evolving challenges and deliver essential aid to vulnerable refugees. Cooperation with refugee-led and community-based organizations is also paramount and will ensure that refugees and community actors are directly involved in the response, not only as aid recipients but also as empowered actors.

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