As reported by Radio Prague, three-quarters of foreign workers in 2016 came from European Union countries. From non-EU countries, the most workers were from Ukraine – 54,600 people.
"In the increase in the number of foreigners as workers, a significant place is occupied by citizens of the EU/EEA and Switzerland. The strongest in this group in 2016 and earlier over a long period are citizens of Slovakia," the report says. By the end of 2016, 161,559 of them were officially employed in the Czech Republic.
The second most significant group of workers after Slovaks are Ukrainians. Also, 8,290 people from Russia and 6,565 from Vietnam are officially working in the Czech Republic.
29% of foreigners are employed in manufacturing. About 16% of foreign citizens work in the administrative sector and related areas. Three out of ten workers from abroad are engaged in auxiliary activities and have no qualifications, a fifth operate devices and equipment.
Currently, the Czech Republic has a record low unemployment rate. Nevertheless, Czech companies lack employees, and therefore there is high demand for workers from abroad. Many companies complain that due to a shortage of employees, they are forced to refuse orders. The President of the Confederation of Industry and Trade, Jaroslav Hanák, called on the government to allow bringing in labor from Ukraine, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Vietnam.
According to trade unions, behind the inability to find workers in the Czech Republic are difficult working conditions and low wages.