A refugee flees due to danger related to race, religion, nationality, politics, social group, or experiences war, torture, or inhumane treatment. Refugee status is defined by the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol.
A refugee seeks protection in the host country, known as asylum. Subsidiary protection applies if ineligible for refugee status but unable to return home for serious reasons. These are collectively termed international protection.
The Asylum Act in the Czech Republic defines criteria for international protection. The Department of Asylum and Migration Policy assesses and decides on granting protection. The Czech Republic follows EU’s Common European Asylum System.
Consider this before applying:
You may be granted asylum:
You may receive subsidiary protection if:
– You are unwilling or unable to return to your country of origin (or habitual residence if stateless).
– Due to risks like a death sentence, execution, torture, inhumane treatment, or threats to your life or physical well-being.
– This risk arises from indiscriminate violence in an international or domestic armed conflict.
To seek international protection in the Czech Republic:
To apply for international protection in the Czech Republic:
The Department for Asylum and Migration Policy (DAMP) of the Ministry of the Interior handles international protection applications in the Czech Republic, including refugee and subsidiary protection status. DAMP also issues temporary protection visas for those fleeing the Ukraine conflict.
For more information, visit the DAMP website.
Applicants must undergo fingerprinting and image recording for identity verification. Additionally, they must surrender travel documents and may be subject to searches. A medical examination is conducted to assess health.
Following these procedures, applicants are typically transferred to a residential center while awaiting a decision. They may opt for private accommodation at their own expense.
You’ll go to a reception center for initial asylum processing, including identification and a medical check. These centers are closed and have a legal time limit, typically 7-14 days, with a maximum of 120 days.
The Ministry of the Interior’s Refugee Facilities Administration (RFA) manages these facilities and services, ensuring client safety. Find facility details on the RFA website.
As an asylum-seeker, you can stay in the Czech Republic until your case is decided and receive a residence permit for asylum-seekers, usually valid for around 60 days and extendable every one or two months.
You can access public healthcare and start working after 6 months of applying for international protection.
After reception center procedures, you can stay at residential centers in various locations. Applicants have freedom of movement, receive financial allowances, and can access social, legal, and psychological assistance, as well as participate in leisure activities and Czech language courses.
During the asylum procedure, you have the right to free legal aid and an interpreter in your language. Your information is confidential, and you must be truthful and provide detailed reasons for leaving your country. Travel outside the Czech Republic is not permitted during the procedure.
If granted asylum, you’ll receive permanent residence with rights and duties like Czech citizens, except voting and conscription. Subsidiary protection offers a one-year long-term residence permit. Both cases allow access to the State Integration Programme.
If you get a negative decision, you can appeal to the Administrative Court. The decision text specifies the timeframe. You can seek legal help. If you don’t appeal, you’ll receive an exit visa to leave the Czech Republic.
For assistance or advice on obtaining political asylum in Czech Republic, contact our asylum lawyers for a consultation via messenger or by mail or our contact form. We offer comprehensive support, including accompanying you to all authorities and providing expert advice throughout the procedure.
