Czechia extends temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees

MOSCOW. Dec 20 (Interfax) - The Lex Ukrajina VII bill has passed the third reading at the Czech parliament to extend temporary protection for about 380,000 Ukrainian refugees currently in Czechia, Ukrainian media said, citing the Czech media outlet Novinky.

Temporary protection was due to expire on March 31, 2025, yet the bill allows extending it for another year and yet another one if necessary, the media said.

Refugees who have a steady job and receive no state benefits can apply for long-term residence permits. Such residents will be able to file for permanent residence permit in five years, the media said.

"There is a clear reason why we are in a hurry. The electronic registration of Ukrainians residing on the Czech territory must be completed by the middle of March," Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said.

In his words, the Senate may discuss the bill at one of its first meetings in January, after which the president will sign it into law, and the law will take effect in early February in this case.

Czechia will stop providing temporary protection to Ukrainians if the crisis ends, Rakusan said.

The refugees who have received temporary protection will fall under the moratorium, which means their temporary protection will stay valid, he said.