Czech parliament approves bill tightening asylum, migration regulations

ISTANBUL

The Czech Chamber of Deputies on Friday approved a bill tightening the country’s asylum and migration rules, with the government saying the legislation is intended to enhance oversight of applicants and streamline administrative processes.

The bill, which now proceeds to the Senate, is largely aligned with the EU’s new migration pact and includes several key amendments affecting refugees and foreign nationals residing in the country, Czech Radio reported.

One of the most controversial provisions allows authorities to deny temporary protection to Ukrainian refugees who are already registered in another EU member state.

Another clause grants the government the right to revoke the residency of foreigners who repeatedly commit serious offenses.

The legislation was passed with the support of lawmakers from the ruling coalition.

However, opposition parties ANO and Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) voted against it, rejecting the EU’s migrant-sharing mechanism embedded in the broader pact. The Pirate Party abstained from the vote.

The Czech Interior Ministry said the bill aims to improve the efficiency of asylum processing while maintaining public order and security.