Czech Republic radically changes rules for Ukrainian refugees: concerns housing and payments.

The number of Ukrainian refugees receiving free housing in the Czech Republic has decreased. This is a result of a new policy aimed at encouraging refugees to independently search for housing and employment. According to the Czech Ministry of the Interior, as of the beginning of October, only 6% of Ukrainian refugees were using state housing, which is a lower figure compared to three months ago. Now, only those who received temporary protection less than 90 days ago have the right to free accommodation.

As an alternative to free housing, the Czech government has increased financial assistance for housing rental. From August 1, the payments are:

• 6000 crowns for refugees from vulnerable groups;
• 4860 crowns for adults;
• 3490 crowns for teenagers aged 11-18;
• 4188 crowns for children aged 6-10.

"Our goal is to motivate people to find their own housing in the real estate market," explains Jakub Augusta, a representative of the Czech Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

Interestingly, the Czech authorities note a positive financial effect from the presence of Ukrainian refugees. For the second quarter of 2024, their contribution to the budget exceeded the costs of their support by 2.4 billion crowns (approximately $100 million).

This policy reflects a general trend in European countries towards encouraging refugees to integrate and self-support, rather than relying on state aid for an extended period.