Czechia cuts benefits for Ukrainian refugees, saves money

Czechia has tightened the conditions for paying benefits to Ukrainian refugees, bringing considerable savings to its economy during financial consolidation.

According to Czech government data seen by Seznam Zprávy, expenditure for Ukrainian refugees has been cut by over a third.

In June 2023, the state spent nearly €71 million on humanitarian aid and solidarity grants, with spending falling to around €46 million by July. The savings are linked to the so-called Lex Ukraine law, which overhauled refugee benefits and came into force in July.

The Czech government’s move comes when it is intensively discussing the consolidation of public finances and austerity measures.

Czech Labour Minister Marian Jurečka (KDU-ČSL, EPP) confirms that the change in the conditions led to a significant drop in expenditures. According to him, some refugees even left the country and returned to Ukraine. Others decided to find a job in Czechia to be able to cover their needs.

“Obviously, this has also had an impact on employment, which is still growing,” said Jurečka, as quoted by Seznam Zprávy.

Currently, there are 325,742 Ukrainian refugees with temporary protection registered in Czechia – making it one of the European countries that hosts the most Ukrainian refugees per capita. According to the Czech Labour Office, nearly 110,000 refugees with temporary protection were working in July.

As of July, people in registered flats receive housing benefits amounting to €125 per month. Additionally, refugees are granted humanitarian aid based on their vulnerability. Children, students, and seniors are entitled to higher support, around €200 per month, while others receive around €130. People with disabilities receive supplementary benefits.

Data from the STEM agency shows that 56% of the Czech population still supports the stay of Ukrainian refugees in the country.

(Aneta Zachová | EURACTIV.cz)