The Czech government has decided to increase the amount of humanitarian aid for Ukrainian refugees. It will come into force on August 1. This step is connected with the change in the rules for providing free housing from September 1, ukraina.radio.cz reports.
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How much will they pay
Humanitarian assistance to refugees consists of payments for housing and accommodation. According to the government's decision, housing costs will increase to 6,000 CZK (237 EUR) per month for vulnerable categories and up to 4,000 CZK (158 EUR) for everyone else.
For calculating assistance in one household and beyond, up to five people. An important change is that the amount of payments will no longer differ depending on whether the housing where refugees live is included in a special register or not. Until now, these payments have differed.
Only refugee households whose income does not exceed the subsistence minimum and housing costs calculated by the Ministry of Labor will be eligible for humanitarian aid. Humanitarian aid is the difference between this amount and the family's income.
Read: Hungary changes rules for Ukrainian refugees
What changes will there be from September 1
The following rules for providing free housing are in effect in the Czech Republic until September 1, 2024:
150 days – for most people with temporary protection status;
indefinitely – for vulnerable categories: children and adolescents under 18 years of age, students, pregnant women, elderly people over 65 years of age, people with disabilities, carers them, or persons caring for children under 6 years of age.
From September 1, the time for which free housing will be provided will be reduced to 90 days. This norm will apply to all refugees without exception, including vulnerable categories. Those who used 90 days of free housing before September will have to move out or pay for their accommodation.
Trade unions, a consortium of 17 organizations working with migrants, and a public defender of human rights in the Czech Republic do not agree with the change in these rules. Reasons for criticism of the changes include the high risks of homelessness for those who cannot work and are not eligible for humanitarian assistance. The Ombudsman warns that Ukrainians are at risk of illegal employment, exploitation or forced return to Ukraine.
- Refugees
