Czechia is bound by EU legislation and has transposed relevant provisions through the Act No 325/1999 Coll. on Asylum | Zákon č. 325/1999 Sb., o azylu, (11 November 1999) and further amendments.  

11/11/1999: Act on Asylum: Act No 325/1999 Coll. on Asylum | Zákon č. 325/1999 Sb., o azylu

In the context of asylum procedures, the provision of information to third-country nationals is highly structured and involves multiple actors. At border crossing points or in transit areas of international airports, the Police and entities responsible for organizing legal aid are mandated, under Section 3a (2) of the Act on Asylum, to provide information about international protection to individuals intending to apply. Information provision at this stage is conducted in a language understood by the applicant.

Before the provision of applicant’s personal data, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) provides applicants with detailed written materials, including the document that outlines the steps of the process, rights, obligations, and interview requirements, as stipulated in Section 10(1) of the Asylum Act. In practice, the processes of lodging and registering often overlap, creating a unified initial phase. The MOI also hosts updated information on its website and on the APPlicant portal, offering a comprehensive guide for all those applying for international protection in Czechia. Additionally, materials from organizations like UNHCR complement official information, covering procedural guidance, applicants' rights, and obligations. UNHCR and NGOs distributes materials at arrival centres, reception facilities, and detention centres. These resources are available in English, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, Turkish, Farsi, Vietnamese, Spanish, French, Czech.

For applicants in detention, the provision of information is tailored to their circumstances. The Police inform detained individuals of their right to apply for international protection, presenting this information in written form and, where necessary, orally. Detention facilities also house resources from the Refugee Facilities Administration (RFA) and NGOs. Targeted materials, such as those for children or survivors of human trafficking, are developed by NGOs and are available at detention and reception facilities.

The information provided covers procedural timelines and interview protocols to special provisions for vulnerable individuals. For example, Section 89(2) of the Act details how unaccompanied minors are informed of their rights and the process for medical examinations to determine age. Furthermore, the MOI's guidance includes the opportunity for all applicants to undergo medical examinations to identify potential signs of persecution or harm. The materials are disseminated through written brochures, oral communication, and digital platforms.

Applicants for international protection in Czechia are provided with detailed information about the application of the Dublin III Regulation at the earliest stage when a potential Dublin case is identified, based on the information available at the time their application for international protection is lodged. They receive a document titled “Information about the Dublin procedure for applicants for International Protection,” which outlines the essential aspects of the Dublin procedure. Caseworkers from the Dublin Unit or, in some cases, staff from the Asylum Unit may provide oral explanations.

The information covers the purpose of the procedure, the importance of sharing relevant information with authorities and specific provisions concerning family unity and cases involving dependent persons. Applicants are informed about their responsibilities, such as the burden of proof regarding family relationships or humanitarian reasons and the applicable time limits. The information also addresses legal remedies, including the possibility of detention, the protection and accessibility of personal data and the availability of free legal aid. Contact details for various NGOs and state institutions that can provide assistance are also included.

The information is delivered primarily in written form, with applicants receiving a hard copy of the document. If necessary, staff may provide oral explanations. The written material is available in 18 languages commonly spoken by applicants, including Albanian, English, Arabic, Armenian, Czech, Chinese, Dari, French, Georgian, Kurdish, Mongolian, Persian, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Ukrainian, Uzbek, and Vietnamese. This multilingual approach ensures accessibility for applicants from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Additional resources, such as specific national information, complement the common information leaflet. The Ministry of Interior's website provides further details.

When a transfer decision is issued, applicants receive comprehensive guidance on their legal remedies. This information is included in the transfer decision itself and in the “Information about the Dublin procedure for applicants for International Protection” document.

Applicants are informed of the possibility of an admissibility interview by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) at the appropriate stage of their application process. In cases where the application is deemed inadmissible, such as applications from EU citizens or certain Dublin cases, the practice may vary. For some, no interviews are conducted, while in other cases, a streamlined interview focusing on the relevant aspects of the case is held. In all instances, applicants are notified individually in a written format, with an invitation provided at least two working days before the interview date. This notification includes the date, time, and location of the interview, determined in coordination with interpreter availability.

Additionally, applicants who receive the invitation to provide personal data are given the document “Information for International Protection Applicants,” with critical information in their native language or a language they can understand, as required by Section 10 of the Act on Asylum. This includes their rights and obligations during the procedure, the consequences of withdrawing their application, and their right to seek legal aid or assistance from refugee advocacy organizations such as UNHCR. If detailed information regarding the procedure cannot be included in the summons, the MOI ensures that applicants receive it within a reasonable period, not exceeding 15 days.

Likewise, together with the document “Information for International Protection Applicants” provided at the initial phase, the applicants receive the document “Provision of Free Legal Counselling by Attorneys-at-law for Foreigners,” which includes details about obtaining legal assistance. Information about voluntary return is included in the “Information for International Protection Applicants” document and is further accessible through a website.

During the personal interview, the applicant is further informed about the aim, purpose, and importance of the interview. The procedural specifics, such as the roles of various actors present, issues of confidentiality are also explained. Following the interview, applicants are advised about the possibility of submitting additional evidence if necessary, including timelines for such submissions. This information is communicated orally during the interview and reinforced through written documents.

The applicant is informed of the subsequent steps in the document “Information for International Protection Applicants,” which is given to applicant at the same time as the invitation for interview.

For decisions granting protection status, beneficiaries receive the document “Information for Persons with Granted International Protection in the Form of Asylum” or the document “Information for Persons with Granted International Protection in the Form of Subsidiary Protection” together with the official decision. This document outlines their residence status, the conditions for revocation or cessation of asylum, residence permit requirements, obligations to register their residence, travel documents, potential financial contributions, and details of the State Integration Program (SIP).

For applicants receiving a negative decision, information on their right to lodge an appeal is included in the decision notice. The timeframe and venue for filing an appeal are clearly specified.

Information about the right to free legal assistance and representation during the appeal procedure is provided the beginning of the procedure at the same time as the invitation for providing personal details. Applicants receive the “Provision of Free Legal Counselling by Attorneys-at-law for Foreigners” document, which details this right. This can be reinforced by additional information shared orally in Refugee Facilities Administration (RFA) facilities or OAMP officers, if needed.

In RFA centres, NGOs and lawyers contracted by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) complement the provision of information. These actors offer both oral guidance and written materials in various languages.

Czechia does not implement resettlement and humanitarian admission programmes.

Beneficiaries of protection receive detailed information about their rights and obligations upon being granted international protection. This information is provided in a document titled “Information for Persons with Granted International Protection in the Form of Asylum,” or in the document “Information for Persons with Granted International Protection in the Form of Subsidiary Protection” which is available in 30 languages, including English, Arabic, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Burmese, Bengal, Czech, Chinese, Dari, French, Georgian, Hindu, Kazakh, Kurdish, Kyrgyz, Moldavian, Mongolian, Pashtu, Persian, Russian, Somali, Spanish Tamil, Tigrinya, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Uzbek, Vietnamese. The document covers the residence status, revocation and cessation of asylum, residence permit procedures, the obligation to register residence, travel documents, financial contributions, and the State Integration Program (SIP). This information is provided by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) in written format, delivered together with the decision granting international protection.

Beneficiaries also receive a document titled “State Integration Programme for Holders of International Protection” with the decision about their status. Provided by the MOI, this document introduces the integration program, its goals, phases, and duration. It also explains how to enrol in SIP and offers detailed information about employment, education, Czech language courses, social matters, and healthcare. Beneficiaries are provided with contacts for MOI or RFA for further inquiries about SIP. The document on SIP contains comprehensive information about the rights and obligations of beneficiaries in the area of employment. It explains their ability to work with a valid permit and the option to register with the Labour Office. This information is provided in written format by the MOI.

The SIP document informs beneficiaries about their educational rights, particularly that primary school attendance is mandatory in the Czech Republic for children between 6 and 15 years of age. It also outlines the educational opportunities available after primary school. This information is provided in written format by the MOI.

Healthcare information is included in the “State Integration Programme for Holders of International Protection” document. It details the beneficiaries’ rights to healthcare services and how to access them. This is provided in written format by the MOI along with the decision.

Information about obtaining a residence permit is included in the “Information for Persons with Granted International Protection in the Form of Asylum”/ “Information for Persons with Granted International Protection in the Form of Subsidiary Protection” document. It explains the process for requesting the first residence permit, its validity, the provision of biometric data, permit collection, renewal after expiration, and issuance of a new permit due to changes in the specified information. Beneficiaries complete an application form for the permit directly when they receive their decision, ensuring a smooth process. This information is also provided in written format by the MOI.

Upon arrival at the reception centre, applicants receive detailed information about their rights, obligations, and reception conditions. This information is provided in their native language in written format and orally when possible. Some of this information is also included in the Information for International Protection Applicants document, which they receive during the lodging of their application.

Information is provided upon arrival at the centre during individual interviews with staff from the Refugee Facilities Administration (RFA) and the Department of Asylum and Migration Policy (DAMP). The information is delivered by DAMP officers during the lodging interview and by RFA staff during initial orientation. Additionally, NGOs may provide supplementary materials.

The information covers accommodation facilities and rights related to staying there, options for accommodation outside the centre, financial support for meals and pocket money and rights and obligations during the applicant's stay in the centre.

The materials are developed by DAMP and RFA, with contributions from NGOs. The information is provided in leaflets, brochures, and informational documents. Oral provision is facilitated by RFA staff during interviews.

The Information for International Protection Applicants document is available in English, Arabic, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Burmese, Bengal, Czech, Chinese, Dari, French, Georgian, Hindu, Kazakh, Kurdish, Kyrgyz, Moldavian, Mongolian, Pashtu, Persian, Russian, Somali, Spanish Tamil, Tigrinya, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Uzbek, Vietnamese.

Targeted materials for applicants with special needs are introduced by RFA, including specific information for children. Leaflets with contacts to the La Strada organisation are also available in RFA facilities to support vulnerable persons.

Applicants are informed about organizations offering legal assistance and representation. This is done through written and oral communications provided by RFA and included in the Information for International Protection Applicants document prepared by the Ministry of Interior (MOI).

Access to healthcare information is conveyed both in writing and orally. RFA social workers explain the healthcare services available to applicants during their interviews.

Employment-related rights are included in the Information for International Protection Applicants document. This information is supplemented by RFA staff through oral explanations during orientation sessions.

Education-related information is provided in writing and orally by RFA staff. It outlines the educational rights of applicants and the opportunities available, including the compulsory primary education for children and subsequent educational options.

For further information:

• RFA Website

When third-country nationals are detained, they are provided with clear and comprehensive information about the reasons for their detention and the procedures for challenging the detention order. This information is delivered in both written and oral. Initially, upon being detained, the police provide detainees with a written document that outlines the legal grounds for their detention, the maximum duration they can be held, and their rights, including the right to file a legal action against the detention decision and to request a review of the grounds for their detention. This document also assures detainees that the decision on detention does not impact their rights or the outcome of their international protection procedure.

Upon entry into the detention facility, Refugee Facilities Administration (RFA) staff further inform detainees about their rights and obligations, as well as the specific rules that apply within the facility. This information is delivered both orally and in written form, ensuring that detainees understand the procedures and expectations. The written materials, prepared by the police and RFA, are translated into the detainees’ native languages. Additionally, these materials explain the definition of a vulnerable person, instructions on the steps to follow after detention, and the duration of the detention period as specified in the formal decision.