Rules for applying for permanent residence, asylum tougher under new bill

The Chamber of Deputies has passed a bill tightening the rules on foreigners applying for permanent residence or asylum in the Czech Republic. Under the new legislation, which still has to go before the Senate and the president, foreigners who marry Czech citizens will have to wait two years before being able to apply for a permanent residence permit; currently they can apply as soon as they get married. Passing an exam in the Czech language will also be a prerequisite for getting a permanent residence permit. The bill passed by the lower house on Wednesday also defines conditions for the treatment of foreigners who apply for asylum at Prague Airport. The Czech Interior Ministry says the tougher rules are necessary in view of the fact the country will join the Schengen zone later this year.