Czech budget received twice as much revenue from Ukrainian refugees in 3 years as it spent on social assistance
Over the three years of war, Ukrainian refugees have contributed about 54 billion CZK ($2.2 billion) to the Czech state budget in taxes, social contributions and consumer spending, which is twice the amount of Czech expenditures on humanitarian and social benefits for Ukrainians during this period.
Such data was published by the Czech Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, Censor.NET reports with reference to LIGA.
The Czech Republic provided temporary protection to 397 thousand Ukrainians, most of whom live in Prague - almost 103 thousand people.
About 92 thousand Ukrainians receive social benefits totaling 760 million CZK ($32 million) per month. In 2024, the amount of payments to Ukrainians amounted to CZK 8 billion ($336 million). Most of the recipients are children, pensioners and people with disabilities (70% of the total).
About half of Ukrainians in the Czech Republic are employed, with about 150,000 registered employment contracts. The vast majority work in low-skilled positions in construction and manufacturing.
"Refugees fill the labor shortage in sectors that have been lacking workers for a long time, bringing significant tax revenues and contributing to the country's economy. Integration takes place without displacing Czech citizens from the labor market," the ministry said in a statement.
According to Labor Minister Marian Jurečko, "Ukrainians help to overcome the labor shortage, and their taxes and consumption have a significant positive impact on the economy."
The Czech Republic's total aid to Ukraine, including refugee assistance, amounted to $2.6 billion during the full-scale war.
