Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic: their taxes exceeded the cost of support from the state
Ukrainian refugees who ended up in the Czech Republic because of the war became a significant part of the local society and economy. The war forced hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians to leave their homes in search of safety and opportunities for life. The Czech Republic became one of the countries that offered them temporary protection and support. However, despite the difficulty of adaptation, Ukrainians not only integrate into new conditions, but also make a significant contribution to the development of the country’s economy.
According to official data of the Ministry of Labor of the Czech Republic, as of the third quarter of 2024, Ukrainian refugees paid taxes and social contributions in the amount of 5.9 billion crowns (approximately 10 billion hryvnias). This amount is significantly higher than the Czech government’s expenditure on support for displaced persons, which amounted to 3.9 billion crowns (about 6.6 billion hryvnias). Thus, Ukrainians not only adapt to new conditions, but also actively contribute to the economic development of the Czech Republic.
The number of officially employed Ukrainians is growing every month. If in April 2024, 123 thousand people worked in official positions, then by September this figure reached almost 150 thousand. Despite the fact that the majority are employed in low-skilled positions, their contribution to the economy is becoming more and more tangible. According to the results of 2024, the income from tax revenues and contributions made by Ukrainians exceeded the state expenses for their support by 5.7 billion crowns (approximately 9.69 billion hryvnias).
However, the process of integration of Ukrainians into Czech society is also accompanied by challenges. On the one hand, the decrease in humanitarian aid shows that a significant part of the displaced people was able to adapt to new conditions and find work. On the other hand, the reduction of support can be a serious problem for the most vulnerable groups. As of August 2024, 51,500 households were receiving assistance, up from 96,500 a year ago. Most often, humanitarian aid is needed by families with children, pensioners and people with disabilities.
Despite these difficulties, Ukrainians in the Czech Republic prove that they are able not only to find temporary shelter, but also to become active participants in the life of the host country. Their industriousness, willingness to take responsibility and desire to integrate help not only themselves, but also contribute to the strengthening of the Czech economy.
The Czech experience of integrating Ukrainians can serve as an example for other European countries that have also accepted a significant number of refugees. The story of Ukrainians in the Czech Republic is not only about the losses and hardships of the war, but also about the opportunity to find a new home, make a contribution to society and demonstrate an example of mutual help in difficult times.
