MPs vote to extend Ukrainians’ visas until March 2024

The Chamber of Deputies has approved an amendment allowing for Ukrainian refugees to extend their temporary protection visas in Czechia until the end of March 2024. The bill was passed in a fast-track process on Tuesday evening, with MPs from ANO and Freedom and Direct Democracy abstaining. The legislation must now be passed by the Senate.

At present temporary protection visas are valid until the end of March next year. However, Czech officials say the current situation in Ukraine does not suggest they will be able to return by that date.

There are over 350,000 Ukrainian refugees in Czechia at present. More applied for temporary protection but some have since returned to their home country.