PRAGUE - Illegal migration is a security threat that must not be underestimated. A group of MPs from the ruling coalition led by Eva Decroix and Pavel Žáček has presented a draft amendment to the law that will strengthen the rules of the asylum procedure and ensure more effective control over the stay of foreigners. The proposed measures will, among other things, allow for more effective deportation of persons without a residence permit and will limit targeted asylum applications. MEPs invited the opposition to discuss the proposal.
The government of Petro Fiala has clearly declared that the security of citizens is our priority. And we keep our word. "We have been striving for a long time to ensure that the Czech Republic is a safe country and that in the future we will be able to maintain the free movement of people and goods without border controls and preserve the advantages of a common Europe. But this cannot be done without bolder steps at both European and national level to defeat illegal migration. That is why today we are coming up with a bill that tightens up measures on migration at national level. The main aim of the proposal is to discourage potential migrants from entering the Czech Republic." said the Prime Minister Petr Fiala at a press conference.
The proposal responds to the security situation in Europe and brings concrete steps to tackle illegal migration and ensure the safety of people in our country.
"Security is not built by empty passwords, but by clear rules and their strict enforcement. That's why we are coming up with concrete steps to help us keep control of who is in our country," said the lead sponsor of the proposal Eva Decroix.
The proposal introduces comprehensive measures to prevent circumvention of the asylum procedure while ensuring faster removal of those who do not meet the conditions for residence:
- Combining the asylum decision with deportation: Refusal of asylum will be directly linked to the decision on return, which will allow for faster deportation of foreigners who do not have the right to remain in the Czech Republic.
- Restrictions on targeted asylum applications: It will not be possible to apply for asylum if the applicant is trying to avoid deportation or is subject to extradition.
- Stricter control of the stay of asylum seekers: Applicants will be obliged to stay in designated asylum facilities and the authorities will be able to designate a place of residence for them.
- More thorough security checks: The screening of asylum seekers will be extended to include the use of EU databases and the possibility of analysing mobile phone data.
- Lowering standards for asylum seekers: In the case of problem behaviour, access to state-funded health care and some material benefits will be restricted.
"These are systemic measures that will strengthen state security and protect the fair functioning of the asylum system. The Czech Republic remains open to those who genuinely need help, but it also closes the door to those who abuse our system." said the chairman of the parliamentary committee on security Pavel Žáček.
Countries such as Austria, Poland and Finland have already introduced similar measures in response to the changing migration situation in Europe. With this proposal, the Czech Republic joins the ranks of countries that are strengthening their rules to ensure security and stability.
"Our approach is realistic and responsible. We are not waiting for the situation to catch up with us, but we are taking concrete steps now. The Czech Republic must remain a safe country. This proposal is a key step to keep order and control," She concluded Decroix.
The MEPs who are submitting the proposal have also invited the opposition to join the negotiations so that a substantive debate can be held on the key measures and the proposal will have the widest possible support.
Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
Chairman of ODS
Vice-Chairwoman of the Party
1st Vice-Chair of the Parliamentary Club of the Czech Republic
regional representative
Chairwoman of the regional association
Member of the Regional Council
Member of the Czech Republic
Chairman of the Security Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly
founder and first director of the Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes and the Security Forces Archive
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