The Czech government has approved a bill to tighten the conditions for Ukrainian refugees staying in the country, specifically regarding temporary protection, humanitarian payments, and the registration of vehicles with Ukrainian license plates. This was reported by Novinky.cz, according to UNN.
These are amendments to the law on Ukrainian refugees, which must now be considered by the Czech Parliament. If passed, most of the changes will take effect on January 1, 2027.
Temporary protection may be revoked
According to the new rules, temporary protection may be canceled if the holder stays outside the Czech Republic or the Schengen Area for more than 30 days.
The innovations will also apply to individuals who commit serious offenses.
"The amendments will in no way affect foreigners who work in the Czech Republic and comply with the laws. They are primarily aimed at combating system abuse, illegal migration, and people who do not respect the legislation of the Czech Republic," stated Czech Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar.
Control over humanitarian payments to be tightened
The bill also provides for stricter requirements for recipients of humanitarian aid.
To maintain payments, refugees must reside in the Czech Republic for at least 16 days per month.
The Czech government explains that this is intended to prevent people who do not actually live in the country from receiving aid.
At the same time, short-term trips abroad, for example, to visit relatives or resolve official matters, will remain permitted.
More than 385,000 Ukrainian refugees are in the Czech Republic
According to Metnar, as of March 2026, there were 385,040 Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic.
"Of this number, 90,000 receive humanitarian payments," he reported.
The minister also stated that since the beginning of the year, law enforcement officers have recorded several hundred cases of abuse of the aid system.
"Since the beginning of the year, the police have opened more than 40 criminal proceedings with damages exceeding 18 million crowns," Metnar noted.
Ukrainian cars will be required to register
Separately, the bill introduces new rules for vehicles with Ukrainian registration.
Some drivers will be required to register their vehicles in the Czech registry. The authorities explain that currently, such cars do not undergo technical inspections under the same conditions as other vehicles in the country.
This part of the law, if passed, will come into force on January 1, 2028.