Czech government extends agricultural work visas for Ukrainians

The Czech government has approved the extension of extraordinary work visas for citizens of Ukraine to support the agricultural, food processing, and forestry sectors. The proposal, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to ensure labor stability through the end of 2028. Under this program, up to 1,500 visas can be granted annually to Ukrainians, alongside a combined 1,000 visas for workers from Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, and North Macedonia.

Agricultural industry representatives note that while the total number of seasonal workers may seem small, it is vital for a sector facing a long-term shortage of approximately 5,000 employees. The Ministry of Agriculture stated that maintaining these visas provides a buffer for the transition back to standard migration programs once the state of war in Ukraine concludes.

In a separate but related labor trend, the Czech government is also looking to increase quotas for workers from the Philippines, with plans to raise the annual limit to over 12,000 positions starting in January. This move highlights the government's strategy to address industrial labor shortages through diverse international recruitment, even as political debates continue regarding the legal status and social integration of different migrant groups.