Legal Status Returns Additional help
Key questions of interest to Syrian asylum-seekers and refugees in Czechia Legal status
I applied for asylum in Czechia and have not received any decision yet, what should I do?
Due to the rapidly changing situation in Syria, the procedures may be delayed, and your asylum application may not be processed within the standard six-month deadline. Due to this reason, The Ministry of the Interior has informed about the temporary suspension of asylum decisions and should notify you of any delays, providing reasons for them. However, your status and rights as an asylum seeker in Czechia remain unchanged during the whole procedure.
What options do I have in case my asylum application is rejected?
Most cases are currently put on hold by the asylum authorities in Czechia due to the current situation in Syria. However, if your application is rejected for any reason, you have the right to appeal. You can ask a lawyer to assist you. Please find more information on free legal assistance provided by UNHCR’s legal partner OPU in the leaflet here.
I am a beneficiary of international protection in Czechia, can my protection be terminated due to the change in the situation in Syria?
We have no information for the time being suggesting that international protection may be terminated for individuals holding either subsidiary protection or refugee status in Czechia. UNHCR is calling on States to maintain protection in host countries and refrain from forced returns to Syria—UNHCR’s Position on Returns to the Syrian Arab Republic (December 2024), available also in Arabic. UNHCR does not consider that the requirements for cessation (termination) of refugee status have currently been met.
I am a beneficiary of subsidiary protection in Czechia that will expire soon, what should I do?
It is important to apply for the prolongation of the subsidiary protection before it expires. Due to the developing situation in Syria, the prolongation process may take longer. The Ministry of the Interior has informed about the temporary suspension of the extension of the subsidiary protection. However, your status as a beneficiary of subsidiary protection remains unchanged for the whole time.
Will I be forcibly returned to Syria given the new circumstances?
The Czech government has not announced any plans to terminate protection or enforce the return of Syrian nationals. UNHCR continues to call on States not to forcibly return Syrian nationals to any part of Syria—UNHCR’s Position on Returns to the Syrian Arab Republic (December 2024), available also in Arabic.
Can I change my status and apply for another type of residence permit?
As an asylum-seeker, you cannot apply for another type of residence permit. However, if you have been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection and have resided in Czechia for at least 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence.
Will the current situation in Syria impact my family reunification application/right to seek family reunification in Czechia?
No, you have the right to apply for family reunification. We recommend contacting UNHCR’s legal NGO partner OPU for more information and assistance.
Returns
If I want to return to Syria for a short-term visit, will my protection be cancelled (terminated)?
According to the Czech Asylum Act, the authorities can terminate asylum or subsidiary protection if a refugee returns to the country they fled from, or if they have willingly regained the protection of their country of nationality or last permanent residence.
Returning to your country of origin, even for a short visit, may have an impact on your legal status in Czechia.
The Czech authorities have not put in place specific arrangements or exceptions in relation to return (Go&See) visits to Syria for beneficiaries of international protection (asylum or subsidiary protection) in Czechia. We recommend that you contact the Ministry of Interior, Voluntary Return Unit to obtain more information in case you wish return to Syria, including for a short period.
If I decide to return to Syria permanently, whom should I inform in Czechia?
You should notify the Ministry of the Interior and cancel your current residence status or withdraw your asylum application if you have applied for asylum. You should also inform the health insurance company, if necessary.
You should visit the Department of International Protection (at the Praha-Letna office) or according to your place of residence in Czechia. More information and contact details are here.
You can also contact UNHCR legal NGO partners OPU or SIMI for information and assistance.
I am in the process of naturalizing as a national of Czechia—what are the consequences of returning to Syria for my naturalization prospects?
If you hold a permanent residence permit, a short return to Syria should not impact the naturalization process. According to the Czech Asylum Act, the authorities can terminate asylum or subsidiary protection if a refugee returns to the country they fled from, or if they have willingly regained the protection of their country of nationality or last permanent residence.
Where can I get help if I need more information on my situation?
You can contact UNHCR’s Helpline (toll-free) or write an email to UNHCR’s Office in Czechia:
If you need legal counselling, you can also contact UNHCR’s legal partners.
See also:
Applying for Asylum in Czechia Help and Information UNHCR’s Partner Organizations
