Senate approves tighter rules for providing support to Ukrainian refugees

The Senate almost unanimously approved tighter rules for the distribution of humanitarian support to refugees from Ukraine on Wednesday. The changes, which include an end to the CZK 5000 humanitarian benefit for refugees with free accommodation, food and basic hygiene products,  are intended to prevent so-called ‘benefit tourism’.

Other changes include benefits being linked to permanent residence in the Czech Republic, and the time for which the state will cover health insurance for refugees being limited to a maximum of 150 days, with the exception of children and the elderly. The draft now awaits being signed into law by the President.