On March 21, 2022, the so-called Lex Ukraine entered into force; it represents a set of three acts that aim to address assistance to refugees from Ukraine. The act was approved with effect until March 31, 2023 (e.g., for a period of one year) and, among other things, deals with the legal status of refugees and their employment.
Residence permits for temporary protection belong to the following persons:
- citizens of Ukraine who lived in Ukraine before 24 February and then left the country or who legally lived in the Czech Republic on 24 February on the basis of a visa-free travel or short-stay visa
- stateless persons and holders of international protection in Ukraine who lived in Ukraine before 24 February and then left the country
- family members of the above-mentioned groups who lived with them in Ukraine before 24 February
- foreigners with permanent residence in Ukraine who cannot travel to their country of origin due to the threat of real danger
Temporary protection will last for one year and may be extended by a maximum of one year. Holders of temporary protection have free access to the labour market. Thus, no work permit is required for their employment, but the employer remains obliged to inform the Labour Office about the beginning and termination of employment. Foreigners will also be entitled to unemployment benefits, which will be calculated mainly from the average wage.
Employers are advised to arrange with their employees a fixed-term employment relationship for the period of “temporary protection” and agree with employees on the information obligations in relation to their residence status.
