Czech Populist Okamura Seeks Review Ukrainian Residence Permits

In Czechia, roughly 80,000 Ukrainians applied for a new long-term residence permit designed for refugees living under temporary protection since the war began, but only about 15,000 people met the strict eligibility criteria, including at least two years of residence and independence from humanitarian aid. These permits grant five-year validity, full labor market access, and the option to apply for permanent residency, with applicants required to register online and complete appointments with immigration authorities. Meanwhile, Tomio Okamura, leader of the Czech populist SPD party, has demanded a government review of all Ukrainian residence permits as a condition for his party's participation in the upcoming coalition government. Okamura cited worsening housing shortages and longer medical wait times due to the influx of Ukrainians and proposed that only those Ukrainians working in jobs unattractive to Czechs should be allowed to remain. He also called for the removal of Ukrainian flags from government buildings if SPD joins the government, emphasizing his stance as prioritizing Czech citizens rather than expressing hatred. SPD’s position has introduced tension in Czech politics ahead of the October 2025 parliamentary elections, with the party polling at 10–13%, influencing coalition negotiations and public discourse on migration and national resources.