Proposed review of Lex Ukrajina triggers concern among Ukrainian community
A planned initiative by Czech lower house speaker Tomio Okamura has raised concerns over the future legal security of Ukrainians living in the Czech Republic under temporary protection. On 24 December 2025, the news outlet Czechia Online reported that Okamura intends to seek revisions to the Lex Ukrajina law after 19 January, potentially affecting benefits and residency conditions for Ukrainian refugees.
Okamura, the leader of the right-wing populist Freedom and Direct Democracy party, argued that the current framework is overly lenient and insufficiently addresses security considerations. He has stated that the state should not extend protection to individuals who repeatedly violate the law and has called for stricter oversight of foreigners’ compliance with residency rules, without providing specific legislative proposals so far.
Timing linked to budget debate and EU protection framework
According to Okamura, concrete amendments would be presented only after the approval of the 2026 state budget, scheduled for debate on 19 January 2026. The proposed review would cover both migration legislation and the broader package of measures contained in Lex Ukrajina, which currently governs the status of most Ukrainians residing in the country.
He has also opposed extending the EU-wide temporary protection mechanism for Ukrainians until March 2027, describing the extension as an imposed decision from Brussels. This position places the Czech debate within a wider European context, where temporary protection remains a cornerstone of the EU’s response to displacement caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Political signals and symbolic actions
Okamura’s stance is consistent with his long-standing criticism of the European Union and NATO, as well as his opposition to sanctions against Moscow. His rhetoric on migration and European integration has been a central element of his political strategy, mobilising voters sceptical of Brussels while increasing friction with international partners, including Ukraine.
His first symbolic act as speaker, the removal of the Ukrainian flag from the parliament building, drew sharp reactions. Members of the former governing coalition responded by displaying Ukrainian flags from their offices, underscoring political divisions over the country’s stance towards Ukraine and its refugees.
Economic role of Ukrainians in the Czech Republic
Data from the Czech Security Information Service indicate that more than 390,000 Ukrainians were living in the Czech Republic under temporary protection by the end of 2024. Of these, around 249,000 were officially employed, with nearly nine out of ten working legally and contributing taxes and social security payments.
Ukrainian workers have become a significant driver of the Czech economy, particularly in sectors facing chronic labour shortages such as industry, construction and services. According to the same assessments, their economic contribution exceeds the cost of state support and social benefits, adding an estimated 1.2% to annual GDP growth.
Risks of legal uncertainty and broader implications
A revision of Lex Ukrajina or tighter residency controls could prompt some Ukrainians to leave the Czech Republic, creating economic risks for employers and slowing growth. Increased legal uncertainty may also undermine the stability of families that have already integrated into Czech society, potentially fuelling social tension and insecurity within the community.
In a broader strategic context, critics argue that such initiatives weaken European solidarity and create additional challenges for people seeking protection from war. By amplifying internal divisions within the EU, the debate risks aligning with narratives that seek to undermine Europe’s collective response to the conflict in Ukraine.
