Population figures
Total country population
10,503,734
Forcibly displaced population
Refugees (under UNHCR's mandate):
361,546
Asylum-seekers:
1,053
IDPs (of concern to UNHCR):
0
Other people in need of international protection:
0
Other
Statelessness persons
0
Host community
0
Others of concern to UNHCR
531
Country context
Czechia, a landlocked country in Central Europe bordered by Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Poland, is located in a region with a generally high standard of living and a stable political environment, characterized by a developed economy with a strong industrial base (automotive industry) and a well-established social welfare system.
Czechia is a signatory to key international treaties concerning the protection of displaced and stateless individuals, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.
...Czechia is a destination country for people fleeing conflict and persecution in various parts of the world, including Ukrainians who comprise the majority of refugees. Ukrainian refugees are under temporary protection. Beneficiaries of temporary protection are granted residence permits that allow access to employment, healthcare, and education. However, the scope of rights and the duration of stay are subject to specific legal provisions and may vary based on a refugees individual circumstances.
Czechia recognizes statelessness under its Immigration Act, defining a stateless person as an individual not considered a national by any state under its law. Since July 2023, a formal procedure for determining statelessness has been in place. Individuals recognized as stateless are granted a tolerated stay visa for one year, which can be extended. After five years, they may apply for permanent residence. While this status provides certain rights, such as the ability to work after six months, it does not automatically confer access to social services or family reunification. The legal framework for stateless persons is evolving, with ongoing discussions about aligning domestic laws more closely with international standards.
Czechia's location in Central Europe places it at a crossroads for mixed migration flows. The country's legal frameworks and policies are influenced by its geographical position, EU membership, and international obligations. While not a country hosting a large number of asylum-seekers and refugees, Czechia plays a significant role in the regional protection landscape.
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Sources: UNHCR Refugee Data finder https://www.unhcr.org/refugee-statistics/ | 2024 mid-year figures. United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2022). World Population Prospects 2022, Online Edition https://population.un.org/wpp/assets/Files/WPP2022_Data_Sources.pdf