PRAGUE - Illegal migration is a security threat that we must not underestimate. A group of lawmakers from the ruling coalition, led by Eva Decroix and Pavel Žáček, has presented a draft amendment to the law that will strengthen asylum procedures and ensure more effective control over the stay of foreigners. The proposed measures will, among other things, make it easier to deport individuals who do not have the right to reside in the country and will limit the number of asylum applications filed for ulterior motives. The lawmakers have invited the opposition to participate in the discussions on the draft.

The government of Petr Fiala has clearly stated that the safety of citizens is our priority. And we are keeping our word. "We have long strived to make the Czech Republic a safe country and to ensure that, in the future, we can maintain free movement of people and goods without border controls, and preserve the benefits of a united Europe. However, this is only possible with bolder steps at both the European and national levels, which will lead to us overcoming illegal migration. Therefore, today we are presenting a bill that tightens measures in the area of migration at the national level. The aim of the bill is primarily to deter potential migrants from entering the territory of the Czech Republic," said Prime Minister Petr Fiala at a press conference.

The draft responds to the security situation in Europe and proposes concrete steps to address illegal migration and ensure the safety of people in our country.

"Security is not built on empty slogans, but on clear rules and their consistent enforcement. Therefore, we are proposing concrete measures that will help us maintain control over who resides in our country," said the main author of the draft, Eva Decroix.

The draft includes a comprehensive set of measures designed to prevent circumvention of asylum procedures and to ensure the faster deportation of individuals who do not meet the requirements for residency:

  • Linking asylum decisions with deportation: Rejection of asylum will be directly linked to a decision on return, which will allow for the faster deportation of foreigners who do not have the right to remain in the Czech Republic.
  • Limiting asylum applications filed for ulterior motives: It will not be possible to apply for asylum if the applicant is trying to avoid deportation or is subject to extradition.
  • More stringent control over the residence of asylum seekers: Applicants will be required to reside in designated asylum facilities, and authorities will be able to assign them a place of residence.
  • More thorough security checks: The verification of asylum seekers will be expanded to include the use of EU databases and the possibility of analyzing data from mobile phones.
  • Reducing standards for asylum seekers: In cases of problematic behavior, access to state-funded healthcare and certain material benefits will be restricted.

"These are systemic measures that will strengthen the security of the state and protect the fair functioning of the asylum system. The Czech Republic remains open to those who genuinely need help, but at the same time, we are closing the door to those who abuse our system," said the chairman of the parliamentary committee for security, Pavel Žáček.

Similar measures have already been implemented in countries such as Austria, Poland, and Finland, which have responded to the changing migration situation in Europe. The Czech Republic is joining these countries by strengthening its rules with the aim of ensuring security and stability.

"Our approach is realistic and responsible. We are not waiting for the situation to overwhelm us, but are taking concrete steps now. The Czech Republic must remain a safe country. This proposal is a crucial step towards maintaining order and control," concluded Decroix.

The members of parliament who are presenting the proposal have also invited the opposition to participate in discussions, so that a substantive debate can be held on the key measures and the proposal can have the broadest possible support.

Občanská demokratická strana
Petr Fiala – ODS – Občanská demokratická strana
Profil

Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
Chairman of the ODS (Civic Democratic Party)

Občanská demokratická strana
Eva Decroix – ODS – Občanská demokratická strana
Profil

Vice-Chairman of the party
1st Vice-Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies club of the ODS
Regional Councilor
Chairwoman of the regional association
Member of the regional council

Občanská demokratická strana
Pavel Žáček – ODS – Občanská demokratická strana
Profil

Member of the Chamber of Deputies
Chairman of the Committee for Security of the Chamber of Deputies
Founder and first director of the Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes and the Archive of Security Services

ods.cz / gnews.cz - jav