Helsinki Committee criticises proposed amendment to foreigners, asylum legislation

The Czech Helsinki Committee has criticised a planned amendment to the law on foreigners and asylum being proposed by the government. The organisation has made clear that - in its view - the implementation of the bill will serve to strengthen xenophobia among parts of the populace. According to the organisation, the amendment will "criminalise" migrants as a group. The committee has also criticised a tougher approach to asylum seekers or stricter conditions for foreigners marrying Czech nationals. The Interior Ministry has so far defended the draft by indicating that tougher legislation was needed for the Czech Republic to meet all requirements for the Schengen zone.