The Czech government has approved a bill tightening rules for entry and stay of foreigners. The changes will affect both non-EU citizens and EU nationals, including Poles. The new regulations are planned to take effect in 2029.
On March 16, the Czech government approved a draft law regulating the stay of foreigners. According to the Institute of Central Europe, the regulations are set to enter into force on January 1, 2029, introducing a broad package of changes covering both non-EU citizens and EU nationals residing in Czechia.
New registration and digital obligations
One of the key elements of the reform will be stricter enforcement of the obligation to register residence by EU citizens if their stay in Czechia exceeds 90 days. Until now, this requirement was often ignored. The new rules also provide for full digitalization of contacts between foreigners and public administration. Starting in 2029, every foreigner will receive an individual administrative account, which will become the main tool for communication with authorities. Through this account, they will be able to submit applications for residence and receive official correspondence.
Stricter enforcement and migration data
The draft also tightens the rules for revoking the right of residence. The new regulations will cover not only people convicted of crimes, but also foreigners considered by the authorities as a threat to state security or public order. According to the Czech Ministry of the Interior, at the end of last year there were 1,131,197 migrants in the country. This represents an increase of over 37,000 people compared to the previous year, or 3.4 percent. Experts estimate that up to 20 percent of foreigners may remain outside official registers.
– The reform is part of a broader strategy to modernize administration and respond to demographic changes – commented an analyst from the Institute of Central Europe. – The new law does not close the process of changes. Czech authorities are preparing further solutions that will further modify the rules for the stay of foreigners on the territory of the Czech Republic – added a specialist.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Shutterstock/NGCHIYUI
