The sharp reduction in the number of people wishing to obtain refugee status was caused by the entry into force of a new law on asylum, reports Delovaya Praga. If previously, during the lengthy examination of an application, the applicant had the right to work in the Czech Republic as an employee, now the time for examining applications is significantly reduced, and the applicant does not receive the right to work. This immediately made the Czech Republic unattractive for citizens of Ukraine, Moldova, and some other countries who used the opportunity to legally live and work in the Czech Republic for a while, even without any clear hope of obtaining refugee status.
Both before and now, only those persons who face an obvious danger to life in their country of residence due to persecution for political, religious, national, or other reasons are recognized as refugees. In addition, it is necessary to prove that the authorities of the applicant's country of residence cannot ensure the safety of the persecuted person and his family members.
In 2002, 98 people received refugee status in the Czech Republic. This is 15 applicants more than in 2001. Today, about 250 thousand foreigners legally reside in the Czech Republic. Of these, 75 thousand have permanent residence permits and enjoy almost all rights of Czech citizens. 156 thousand foreigners reside on the basis of so-called long-term stay (in this case, a multi-visa must be renewed once a year). The functions of visa and registration departments in the Czech Republic are carried out by the foreign police.