The Czech Republic continues to illegally deny temporary protection to Ukrainians: who is at risk?

Despite the decisions of European courts, the Czech Republic continues to illegally deny Ukrainians temporary protection. This puts people in a difficult situation without the right to work or access medical services. Learn more about the reasons for the refusals and how to protect your rights in the Czech Republic.

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Despite clear rulings by the EU and domestic courts, the Czech Ministry of the Interior continues to violate the rights of Ukrainians seeking temporary protection. As a result, many of our citizens find themselves in a legal trap — without the right to work or medical care and at risk of becoming ‘illegal’ in the EU.

Why is this happening and what should Ukrainians in the Czech Republic do? We explain in this article.

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Ukrainians denied protection in the Czech Republic: what is the problem?

Ukrainians who previously applied for temporary protection in other EU countries face automatic rejection of their applications after moving to the Czech Republic. The Ministry argues that the relevant provisions of the law have not yet been amended, although court rulings require a different approach.

However, back in February 2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that simply submitting an application for protection in another country cannot be grounds for refusal in the Czech Republic. Subsequently, in April 2025, the Czech Supreme Administrative Court found certain provisions of national legislation to be contrary to European law. From now on, Czech authorities are obliged to:

– Accept applications from Ukrainians even if they have previously been granted protection in another country.

– Verify the actual status of protection.

– Grant temporary protection to those who no longer have it in another country or are willing to formally renounce it.

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What is happening in practice: the current situation with temporary protection in the Czech Republic

In practice, the Czech Ministry of the Interior often does not even accept applications or issue written refusals, making it impossible to appeal the decision. At registration points such as KACPU in Brno, staff acknowledge that they are aware of the new requirements but are forced to follow the old instructions.

One example: a Ukrainian woman who lost her protection in Austria under local law was still denied protection in the Czech Republic without an official decision that could be appealed.

What are the consequences of illegal denials of protection to Ukrainians in the Czech Republic?

Due to the denial of protection, Ukrainians:

– Lose the opportunity to work legally.

– Are left without medical insurance.

– Find themselves in violation of EU residence rules.

– Are forced to go to court, wasting time and money on legal battles.

In addition, this burdens Czech courts, which are forced to hear cases that should be resolved at the administrative level.

What should Ukrainians do in the Czech Republic?

If you have been illegally denied temporary protection, you should:

– Request a written decision on the refusal.

– Appeal the refusal in court with the help of lawyers.

– Prepare documents confirming the loss of protection in another country or your desire to officially renounce it.

In order to successfully protect your rights abroad, we recommend that you contact trusted immigration lawyers from the Visit Ukraine portal. They will help you go through all stages of legal support in the Czech Republic and other EU countries.

Order a consultation and get a quick answer to all your legal questions!

Reminder! More than 578,000 Ukrainians live in the Czech Republic. For many years, this country has remained one of the most popular destinations for emigration thanks to its stable economy, high quality of life and wide range of employment opportunities. How Ukrainians can move to the Czech Republic in 2025 — read more in our article.

Photo: Depositphotos

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