Czechia Earns More from Ukrainian Refugees Than It Spends on Their Support, Reports Ministry

The Czech Republic has earned more from Ukrainian refugees than it spent on their support, according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic.

During the first half of 2024, Czechia earned 4.4 billion crowns (approximately $193.2 million) from taxes and insurance contributions paid by Ukrainian refugees.

In the first half of the year, the costs for supporting refugees amounted to 7.3 billion crowns (about $319.4 million), while revenues totaled 11.7 billion crowns (approximately $512.6 million). This resulted in a budget surplus of 4.4 billion crowns (around $193.2 million). The Czech Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs confirmed that refugees have a positive impact on the country's budget.

In the first quarter, expenses were 3.8 billion crowns (approximately $165.1 million), and revenues were 5.8 billion crowns (about $253.3 million). In the second quarter, expenses decreased to 3.5 billion crowns (about $153.8 million), while revenues increased to 5.9 billion crowns (around $257.1 million). Thus, Czechia will receive a total of 4.4 billion crowns (approximately $193.2 million) from refugee support throughout the year.

The Ministry clarified that the average support per refugee is 7,336 crowns per month (around $320), including humanitarian aid and housing assistance. The maximum support can be significantly higher for families with multiple children.

Additionally, around 118,000 Ukrainians are employed in the Czech Republic, helping to address the country's labor shortage. Research shows that 30% of Ukrainians hold more than one job.

As of September, free emergency housing in dormitories has been discontinued. Now, housing costs for vulnerable groups are 6,000 crowns per month (approximately $260), while for others, it is 4,000 crowns (around $173). Ukrainian refugees in Czechia now receive only humanitarian aid and housing assistance.