“Due to the influx of labor from Ukraine, some local residents in the Czech Republic believe that it has affected wage levels and prices.”
Even before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, there were already unflattering remarks in the Czech Republic about migrants. They were blamed for all economic problems: rising prices, falling wages, and a shortage of jobs. But is this fair? Let’s take a closer look.
Why does this concern everyone?
I am a migrant just like many readers of this article. I don’t have an academic degree, but I do know this: it’s important to understand how we can move forward, how to protect ourselves from exploitation and discrimination. Do we really have a negative impact on the Czech economy and labor market?
This text is not only an analysis of the facts, but also a first step toward changing attitudes toward foreign workers. Many of you have heard about certain international rights and organizations that help establish and protect these rights.
So, it all started like in the Bible: ‘In the beginning was the Word,’ followed by a sequence of actions that led us to where we are now. For the analysis, I will use data from government agencies. A bit of history, some numbers, charts, and tools we’ll need along the way!
The Trade Union of Foreign Workers in the Czech Republic is the main mechanism for resolving migrants’ issues with employers.
Nikita Gorchakov, founder of OSZP.
While we identify the true culprit of all the problems, let’s outline a basic logical chain.
Migrant, employer, state.
ON ONE HAND
The migrant is at the lowest level of vulnerability. They just wanted to earn money, don’t know the language, didn’t really try to understand the laws, and waited a long time for the contract. They made mistakes, but where exactly?
EMPLOYER — What could they be guilty of? That the terms of the verbal or written contract don’t include social benefits, vacation, or taxes? Do they avoid the worker when money or advice is mentioned? Do they exploit them?
Or the STATE — unable to track company fraud? Shifting documents and responsibility from one place to another. Creating a hellish and very prolonged bureaucracy in investigating the crime.
ON THE OTHER HAND
A FOREIGNER should initially take a defensive position. Learn the Czech language, understand documents and laws, and constantly communicate and consult with government social centers. The more you know, the more peacefully you sleep.
Then there should be no problems with the EMPLOYER, and the STATE extends the stay of a decent foreign worker.
The Truth About Migrants in the Czech Republic.
Since 2004, the number of foreigners in the Czech Republic has been growing. The country attracted people with its high standard of living and opportunities. Even the COVID-19 pandemic did not stop this process. In 2022, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the number of migrants sharply increased — reaching 1 million people.
According to the Czech Bureau
Statistics of arriving foreigners up to 2023.🔗 csu.gov.cz
It’s not one million Ukrainians, but one million foreigners.
According to the Czech Ministry of the Interior data for the third quarter of 2024, the overwhelming majority were, of course, Ukrainians. People from Slovakia, Vietnam, Russia, and about 30 other countries are also included in this list.
Это значит, что:
– у них подписан трудовой договор
– имеется договор о найме жилья
– они чисты перед законом
“Migrants live on benefits and take jobs!” — a myth.
As an EU member, the Czech Republic is obliged to provide temporary protection to refugees. But not everyone receives benefits, and the number of recipients is limited. Most of them work and pay taxes—they don’t ‘live off the state.’ Below is our article, which can even explain exactly which jobs they hold.
What is the economic benefit of Ukrainian refugees?
According to the iDnes: publishing house, from February 2022 to the end of 2024, the authorities spent 65.2 billion CZK and received back 55.5 billion CZK. The main revenues came from social security contributions and health insurance, followed by VAT and excise taxes. The Ministry of Labour forecasts increased revenues and decreased expenses: in 2022, expenses were 25 billion CZK versus 12.6 billion CZK in revenues; in 2023, 22 billion CZK versus 19.4 billion CZK; and in 2024, the budget turned a profit. Revenues to the Czech Republic from refugees’ work and business in 2024 amounted to 23.5 billion CZK, while expenses were 15.5 billion CZK.
According to the Ministry of the Interior data as of February 23, there are 397,400 Ukrainians living in the Czech Republic with temporary protection visas, including 96,800 children and 17,700 pensioners. Among them, 150,300 are employed or run their own businesses.
An important nuance: migrants often fill job vacancies that local residents do not want to take. Moreover, the Czech Republic itself needs foreign labor due to a demographic crisis — the natural population decline is significant despite the influx of refugees. The ratio of births to deaths is clearly shown in the table below.
| Year | Number of births | Number of deaths | Natural population decline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 109 528 | 129 100 | -19 572 |
| 2021 | 108 960 | 139 600 | -30 640 |
| 2022 | 99 834 | 120 219 | -20 385 |
| 2023 | 70 096 | 112 795 | -42 699 |
| 2024 | 64 236 | 110 432 | -46 196 |
Source: ČSÚ
The main problems are migrants and who they work for.
The real problem is not so much the foreigners themselves, but how they are used. In many EU countries, trade unions protect workers’ rights; however, in the Czech Republic, there is still no organization specifically aimed at those who came from abroad.
Unfortunately, cheap, powerless, and exploitative labor is profitable, and migrants often do not know their rights or even realize they are working illegally. This does not absolve responsibility—I CONDEMN such newcomers. The law on the integration of foreigners exists, but it does not protect them from unscrupulous companies.
“Ignorance of the law does not exempt from responsibility. But knowledge — often does,’ said”
Stanisław Jerzy Lec, a Polish poet, philosopher, satirical writer, and author of aphorisms.
What can we do?
The Czech Republic has made a choice: to become a refuge primarily for citizens of neighboring countries. Allowing them to live in this country without properly combating lawlessness among employers is not enough. To change the situation, foreign workers need to:
- Study and assert their rights;
- Unite to protect their interests;
- Fight for fair working conditions;
- Eradicate unscrupulous employers.
Trade Union of Foreign Workers in the Czech Republic
We are creating an organization that will help:
✅ Advocate for fair wages and working conditions;
✅ Prevent discrimination;
✅ Protect rights in legal matters.
There are already successful examples in Europe: the German union IGM has existed for 125 years and survived the Nazi regime.
This proves that workers’ rights can be protected under any government. The Czech Republic fully needs effective tools to achieve this goal. Adopting Germany’s positive experience will also play a significant role.
Conclusion
In a discussion like this with Czechs about who is right and who is to blame, use not only these facts but also the rhetorical question: “But who is exploiting these refugees?”
Our goals are simple:
- Stop exploitation;
- Help foreigners integrate and protect their rights;
- Ensure the Czech labor market is fair for everyone.
Together, we can achieve this! 🇨🇿
FOREIGN WORKERS UNION CZ 