Czechia has tightened temporary protection rules for Ukrainian men

In Czechia, several dozen Ukrainians have already been denied temporary protection due to new rules for men of military age. The applicants could not prove that they had fulfilled the requirements of Ukrainian legislation regarding military duty and were entitled to leave the country.

The new rule has been in effect in Czechia since August 5. It applies to men from Ukraine aged 23 to 60 who are applying for temporary protection for the first time. People who already have this status in EU countries are not subject to the new restriction.

According to Veronika Votočková, a migration and asylum specialist at the Czech Interior Ministry, less than a week after the requirement was introduced, temporary protection had already been denied to several dozen people. The reason was the absence of confirmation of fulfillment of military obligations to Ukraine.

What documents are required from Ukrainians

To obtain temporary protection, a man must prove that he left Ukraine lawfully, taking into account the current rules of military registration and departure. Czechia may check the relevant information in the Ukrainian electronic military registration document.

A stamp from Ukrainian border guards in the passport, indicating a lawful border crossing, can also serve as confirmation. However, the Czech Interior Ministry notes that the electronic military registration document is considered a more reliable method of verification.

At the EU level, it is stipulated that proof may be either a document on the fulfillment or absence of the relevant military obligation, or confirmation that the Ukrainian authorities have allowed the person to travel abroad.

The restriction applies only to new applicants

The change is part of the general decision of EU countries on the further regime of temporary protection for Ukrainians. In July, EU countries agreed to extend it until March 4, 2028, while setting an additional condition for new applicants who are subject to Ukrainian military duty rules.

However, Ukrainians who are already enjoying temporary protection in the European Union do not need to prove fulfillment of military duty merely to retain their existing status. The restriction applies specifically to new applications for protection.

According to the Czech Interior Ministry, more than 396,000 Ukrainian refugees are currently in the country. Czechia remains one of the EU countries with the largest number of temporary protection holders from Ukraine in relation to its population. Prague has previously advocated for stricter conditions for granting new status.

Temporary protection gives Ukrainians in Czechia the right to legally reside and work in the country, receive medical care, social support, and access to education for children.

Based on materials from: Novinky, Council of the EU