Czech Interior Ministry announces pilot project to aid refugees' voluntary return to Ukraine

MOSCOW. May 16 (Interfax) - The Czech Interior Ministry will launch a pilot project from June to November 2024 to facilitate citizens' voluntary return to Ukraine.

"Foreigners who live here due to the crisis in Ukraine may take part in this program, which is designed for a maximum of 430 people. The project is in no way related to Ukrainians' military service," Ukrainian media said, citing the ministry's website.

The Czech government approved the pilot program's parameters on May 15. The six-month program is intended for persons under temporary protection, as well as for those who have applied for international protection or have already received it.

"We want to offer assistance to those who are willing to return to their home country, for example, for health or family reasons. This aid will mainly involve buying tickets, and, for example, in some particularly serious cases, providing an ambulance vehicle," Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said.

Foreigners will be able to apply for the reimbursement of expenses related to their return to Ukraine only once. If a Ukrainian citizen will then decide to apply for a residence permit within the next 12 months, he will have to cover half of the expenses.

As part of the program, 400 Ukrainians will be provided with tickets to buses from their place of residence in the Czech Republic to the nearest place of residence in Ukraine, while another 30 Ukrainians with serious diseases will be provided with medical transport services. The Czech Interior Ministry has allocated SZK 5.595 million, or $246,750, from its budget for the pilot project.