Photo credit: Ukrinform
Czech President Petr Pavel has signed an amendment that tightens restrictions on Russian citizenship applications while extending protections for Ukrainian refugees.
Expats CZ reports that the new law is set to take force the day after publication in the Law Digest. It mandates Russian applicants for Czech citizenship to renounce their Russian nationality and provide proof of doing so.
The amendment also introduces harsher penalties for unauthorized foreign influence activities and reintroduces a controversial special school enrollment period for Ukrainian children.
The Czech government is also preparing for the eventual return of Ukrainian refugees, with plans for a return centre in Prague offering support for those wishing to contribute to post-war reconstruction efforts in Ukraine.
The new law mandates that unauthorized activity for a foreign power will carry a penalty of up to five years in prison or up to 15 years under martial law. It applies to those working for a foreign country or organization with the intent to harm Czech sovereignty or security.
The amendment also requires Russian citizenship applicants to renounce their nationality and provide proof.
As of early February, the Czech Republic has granted temporary protection to over 395,000 Ukrainian refugees.
Czechia has proven one of Ukrainian allies since the Russian invasion of the country in February 2022.
