Senate approves green cards law, tightens social benefits

The Czech Senate has approved an amendment to the employment act which will allow foreigners to apply for ‘green cards’. The new document will incorporate work and stay permits, and will be issued at Czech embassies in countries approved by the Interior Ministry. Citizens of these countries will be able to apply for jobs in the Czech Republic which had not been filled by Czech or EU nationals within 30 days. The amendment will also tighten conditions for unemployment benefits. If the president approves the amendment, it will enter into force on January 1, 2009.