Temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens extended for one year
As the continued Russian invasion of Ukraine does not make it safe for Ukrainian citizens to return to their homeland, the government has proposed to extend their temporary protection for another year, until 31 March 2025. Currently, the blanket validity of visa stickers granting temporary protection expires on 31 March 2024, and if its holders wish to continue to reside in the Czech Republic, they will have to apply for an extension of temporary protection again.
The procedure to extend the temporary protection status should be the same as in 2023: online registration and making an appointment to obtain a visa sticker, through the Foreigners Reservation System (FRS).
If a foreigner wishes to extend their temporary protection status, they will have to register exclusively through the FRS by 15 March 2024. A confirmation sent to the email address that the foreigner has stated in the registration form will complete their registration. The confirmation shall indicate the date and the office at which they are to appear to obtain the visa sticker extending their temporary protection.
Unlike under the previous procedure, it will be necessary to submit proof of accommodation in the Czech Republic – a document granting the foreigner the consent with their accommodation, with an officially verified signature of the property owner or rightful user. Under the proposed amendment, the proof of accommodation will have to be submitted at the personal visit for obtaining the visa sticker even if the foreigner's residence has not changed since the previous extension.
If the foreigner does not register for the extension of temporary protection status by 15 March 2024, it will expire on 31 March 2024. At the same time, if the foreigner does not appear at the assigned office of the Ministry of the Interior to obtain the visa sticker by 30 September 2024, their temporary protection will expire on 30 September 2024.
The extension of temporary protection will preserve current benefits such as free access to the labour market, support regarding accommodation, and financial aid. The amendment introduces a new concept: assisted return to the home country upon the foreigner’s request. On the negative side, the proposed amendment does not allow for the secondary migration of holders of temporary protection status granted in another member state, even though this issue was raised during the comment procedure.
The legislative process is not over yet; hence it cannot be ruled out that the final wording of the law may still change.