Imigration

Immigration (opposite of emigration) is a term that generally refers to the relocating and settling of persons, families or communities from abroad. Immigrants are citizens of neighboring or distant states who are looking for opportunities and migrate for economic, political, religious or other reasons.

The economic reason for immigration is primarily a desire for a better standard of living or education. Immigrants seeking better career opportunities and those migrating for economic reasons are possibly the largest group. A slightly smaller group of immigrants consists of people who leave their countries for political reasons. In countries with long, ongoing armed conflict or civil war, many residents decide to leave their homes, seeking refuge in other countries.

The Immigration Policy in the Czech Republic is governed by the Czech and European Union legislation, especially the Law on Aliens (Act No. 326/1999 Coll.) and the Employment Act (Act No. 435/2004 Coll.). The issues of international migration and international protection in the Czech Republic, at the legislative level as well as the analytical aspects and implementation is the responsibility of the Ministry of the Interior. Within the Ministry these issues are handled by the Department of Asylum and Migration Policy and a large portion of competences are in the hands of the Czech Republic Police. The Department of Asylum and Migration Policy specializes in the issues of international protection of refugees, the entry and residence of foreigners, the concept of integration of foreigners, national integration and cooperation with the countries within the Schengen zone.

Immigration is a very complex issue and needs our full attention, because the number of foreigners living in the Czech Republic is gradually increasing. Some foreigners have already settled long term or permanently. The Czech Republic is thus faced with the daunting task of addressing the issues related to the legal status of immigrants and creating specific conditions for their gradual integration into society.