This study examines individual attitudes and perceived subjective norms in relation to the plans and situation of refugees from Ukraine in Czechia. 

The study - published in June - presents the results of the second round of a survey conducted for an earlier study in 2023. The results of the second round are compared with those of the first, and enriched with the results of further, qualitative research conducted via focus groups. The original contributions of this research include a longitudinal analysis on a limited sample, emphasis on analysis of subjective opinions and attitudes, and use of the theory of planned behaviour to study economic activity and intentions to return to Ukraine. The report was produced in cooperation with NGO Slovo21 and funded by the UNHCR Office in Czechia. 

Key Findings

The results of this study confirm well-known conclusions of previous research and bring new insights. The study compares its findings with the "Integration of Ukrainian Refugees: 2 Years Later and Outlook for 2024+" report by PAQ Research (2024): both studies show an improvement in knowledge of Czech among the groups studied, but with differences in the proportions of respondents who feel they have the language to communicate in everyday situations. This study shows an increase from 9% to 32%, compared with 16% to 47% in the PAQ Research report.

The economic activity of those displaced from Ukraine is also found to have increased. Both studies indicate that three-quarters of economically active refugees had a job in the second half of 2023, but note that most work in positions that do not match their skill level and in poor conditions.

The findings of this study align with other research that observes a decrease in the proportion of those who wish to return to Ukraine. PAQ Research reports a decline from 51% to 37%, while this study shows a change from 75% to 50%. The difference can be explained by differently worded survey questions.

Although integration is found to be progressing rapidly, especially in the labour market and in terms of language skills, the research shows that progress is not necessarily smooth: refugees often face precarious work conditions and unfair employment agency practices, indicating a high occurence of illegal employment. To improve the situation, it is necessary to investigate and limit these practices through a combination of repressive and proactive measures.

For migrants, existing social ties are important when choosing a host country and place of residence, securing work, and accessing housing, and having limited social ties in Czechia correlates with greater vulnerability for refugees. Assistance to those who are vulnerable is often provided by non-profit organisations supported by the Czech state or international organisations.

The research finds that refugees prefer to socialise within their community. Plans to return to Ukraine remain a central topic, with family ties and personal attitudes playing a key role.