The Czech Republic Ministry of Interior has closed the first phase of the process for extending temporary protection enabling Ukrainian refugees to prolong their legal stay until 31 March 2025.1 Additionally, the scope of residence permits available at Czech embassies in Ukraine has been significantly broadened. This development may be interesting chiefly for Czech employers given the previous restrictions on residence and work permit cards.
WHY THIS MATTERS
- Extension of Temporary Protection for Ukrainian refugees.
- Expansion of residence permit and visa options at embassies.
- Applicants can now request an intra-company transfer card and an employee card.
- An expanded range of visas – including the extraordinary work visa – is available to eligible applicants residing in Ukraine.
Such developments (as described further below) can be seen as presenting a degree of progress in providing support and opportunities for Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic. The streamlined processes and expanded options demonstrate the country's commitment to humanitarian efforts and the support of economic migration.
Extension of Temporary Protection – Half-way Point
Those who wished to extend their temporary protection beyond March 2024 were required to register through the Ministry of Interior’s online portal. (For prior coverage, see GMS Flash Alert 2023-207, 7 November 2023.) Required to be done by 15 March 2024, this step extended the validity of current temporary protection visa stickers by six months. During this six-month period, it will be necessary to visit the relevant Immigration Office for “restamping,” which is the second phase of the extension process. When complete, individuals will be granted a new visa sticker valid until 31 March 2025.
The completion of both phases must also be followed with appropriate action by employers. They are required to fulfil their obligation to notify the relevant branch of the Labour Office regarding every extension of their employees' temporary protection status.
Further Options and Opportunities
The expansion of residence permit and visa options at embassies in Ukraine, effective 1 January 2024, offers further opportunities2. In addition to the Blue Card for highly-skilled workers, Ukrainian nationals can now request an intra-company transfer card and an employee card. Notably, the requirement for applicants to hold temporary or international protection in another EU member state has been lifted, although those granted temporary or international protection in the Czech Republic are still ineligible. Moreover, applicants for the employment card must participate in government economic migration programmes and meet specific conditions such as legal permission to leave Ukraine.
Furthermore, an expanded range of visas, including the extraordinary work visa, is available to eligible applicants residing in Ukraine. However, it's essential to note that applications submitted in Ukraine are subject to annual quotas, helping to ensure a fair distribution of applications throughout the year.
KPMG INSIGHTS
If employers, organisations, or individuals have questions regarding temporary protection status (who is eligible, what entitlements are available, etc.) and require further advice and assistance regarding next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration counsel or they can contact a member of the Immigration team with KPMG in the Czech Republic (see the Contacts section).
FOOTNOTES
1 For further information, see (in Czech) the official website of Ministry of the Interior, "Dočasná ochrana” at: Dočasná ochrana - frs.gov.cz .
2 For the text of Nařízení vlády č. 308/2022 Sb., o stanovení výjimky z nepřijatelnosti žádostí o udělení oprávnění k pobytu na území České republiky podávaných na zastupitelských úřadech, see: https://www.zakonyprolidi.cz/cs/2022-308.
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in the Czech Republic.
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