Three strikes and you're out: New Czech law to tighten rules for foreigners

The Czech Chamber of Deputies has approved a sweeping amendment to the country’s asylum and migration laws, introducing stricter rules for non-EU foreigners living in the country. Among the most controversial changes is a provision allowing authorities to cancel or deny the extension of residence permits for those who commit three offenses within a year.

The legislative package, backed by the governing coalition and aligned with the European Union’s new Migration Pact, also tightens procedures for asylum seekers and includes further restrictions for Ukrainians seeking temporary protection. The bill will now move to the Senate for consideration.

At the heart of the amendment is a measure introduced by the opposition ANO party that would allow Czech authorities to terminate or decline to extend a foreigner’s residence if they are found guilty of three “serious misdemeanors” over the course of a year. These include offenses against public order, civil coexistence, and property—such as shoplifting, public intoxication, or violence at sports events involving fireworks.

In addition, the law gives law enforcement new tools to identify and track foreigners suspected of immigration violations. Police would be allowed to access data from mobile phones if a foreign national refuses to provide valid identification, a move the Interior Ministry says is essential for determining a person’s origin.

“This legislation is about protecting public order and ensuring the integrity of our asylum system,” said Robert Králíček of ANO, who introduced the 'three strikes' provision. The bill was passed with the support of 75 of the 134 deputies present.

If the law is passed by the Senate and signed by the president, it will also prevent individuals who have already been deported from reapplying for asylum in the Czech Republic. In cases where deportation has already been ordered by another EU member state, Czech authorities will no longer conduct an independent review.

Administrative and judicial procedures will also be streamlined. Separate proceedings on asylum and return orders will now be merged, and courts will be required to consider expulsion when handing down criminal sentences to foreigners.

Beyond enforcement, the bill also affects the everyday lives of asylum seekers. Authorities would be able to assign an official place of residence or require that asylum applicants stay in designated asylum centers. Their access to the labor market may be limited, and support would be restricted to housing and basic food assistance.

In line with the EU Migration Pact, the Interior Ministry will also speed up asylum processing and reduce deadlines for appeals. The goal, according to ministry officials, is to minimize the potential for abuse of the asylum system and ensure quicker resolution of cases.

A separate but related amendment responds to a recent court ruling that challenged Czechia’s approach to temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees. Under the new rule, the government can reject protection requests from Ukrainians who already hold or previously held temporary protection in another EU country.

This provision can be activated if the Interior Ministry informs the European Commission that national resources are under strain due to a mass influx of refugees.

The law also strengthens the legal obligations of asylum seekers. Under another provision pushed by ANO, applicants must cooperate more closely with the Ministry of the Interior and police, especially in providing documentation necessary for their cases.

The legislative package has drawn criticism from rights advocates and opposition leaders. SPD has promised to push for a “one strike” policy—automatic loss of residency after a single offense—if it joins the government in the next election cycle. ANO, for its part, has pledged “zero tolerance” for irregular migration.

While the government argues the changes are necessary for public safety and compliance with EU obligations, critics warn that the new rules could lead to increased uncertainty and instability for thousands of foreigners legally residing in Czechia.

The Senate is expected to debate the bill in the coming weeks. If approved, the law could take effect later this year.