Prague: The Czech government is set to tighten eligibility rules for welfare payments provided to Ukrainian refugees under temporary protection. This move is part of a broader security-focused legislative package, as reported by local media on Monday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the coalition government, consisting of the ANO movement, the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, and the Motorists party, intends to introduce stricter conditions for accessing humanitarian assistance. Radio Prague International reported that while most provisions of the proposed legislation are anticipated to take effect at the beginning of next year, the new welfare rules would not be implemented until January 1, 2028.

The Czech Interior Ministry stated that the delay in implementation is necessary to allow labor offices and electronic administrative systems the time needed to adapt to the changes. The proposal includes granting authorities greater oversight to verify whether recipients continue to meet the conditions required to receive humanitarian aid.

Interior Minister Lubomir Metnar emphasized that these measures would assist authorities in addressing ‘benefit tourism’ more effectively. The planned changes are occurring as Czechia continues to host hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who have fled the Russia-Ukraine war and were granted temporary protection status under EU arrangements.