In April 2025, the UNHCR offered its comments and recommendations to the proposal of the Czech government for an amendment to the Act on Asylum and other related acts implementing the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. Among others, the UNHCR:
- Highlighted the importance of ensuring a consultative and inclusive process in legislative amendments with effective contribution of all stakeholders.
- Underlined that short-term residence permits may have detrimental effect to refugees’ security and stability, while also hindering effective integration.
- Called for a less strict interpretation as to what constitutes a ground for withdrawal of status (e.g. beyond the omission to apply for renewal or failing to attend an interview).
- Called for the application of the asylum border procedure only in situations that is absolutely necessary, while measures other than detention be applied to ensure that applicants in the asylum border procedure remain available to the authorities.
- Emphasised the importance of effective access to legal counselling, assistance and representation at the earliest possible time.
- Expressed concerns about the possibility of introducing a new ground for exclusion for applicants who are ‘subject to international sanctions pursuant to the law regulating the implementation of international sanctions consisting of a ban on entry or residence’.
- Also expressed similar concerns about the possibility of introducing a limitation to the right to apply for asylum in the context of extradition and criminal procedures.
- Stressed the importance of ensuring minimum standards when considering the reduction or withdrawal of reception conditions.
The UNHCR Comments and recommendations to the proposal amending the Act on Asylum in Czechia are available here.