Czech government criticized for stricter immigration rules affecting Ukrainian refugees

The Czech cabinet approved a security amendment on 25 May that tightens a range of rules for foreigners, including those with temporary protection and asylum seekers. The draft bypassed the usual inter‑ministerial comment process, prompting criticism from ombudsman’s deputy Vít Alexander Schorm. He warned that the changes could strip refugees from Ukraine of the right to contest state decisions in court and impose harsh penalties for administrative errors, such as losing three months of humanitarian benefit for providing incorrect information. The amendment also reduces the ability of foreigners awaiting deportation to obtain legal recourse, as courts may issue decisions without a hearing unless the claimant explicitly requests one. Schorm described the penalties as disproportionate and warned that entire families could be pushed into severe hardship, especially as state funding for legal, psychological and social aid previously provided by NGOs has been halted.