March 20, 2015 Ukraine

Caritas of the Archdiocese of Prague has welcomed the first Ukrainians to Czech Republic

In March this year the first Ukrainian compatriots reached the Czech Republic. They abandoned their native land due to fear for their safety and security in Ukraine. This resettlement program is coordinated by the Ministry of the Interior, but transfer and integration itself is carried out by Caritas.

On March 3^rd the first 44 people reached the Florenc in the Czech Republic by public bus. From there,they went to a hotel owned by the Ministry of the Interior in Červená nad Vltavou, where they can stay for up to six months. The Ukrainians were accompanied by workers of the Caritas of the Archdiocese of Prague, who helped them with administration issues (health insurance, school attendance for children, labour office etc.). Health care was also provided to the Ukrainian compatriots; one of the group had to be hospitalized the day after arrival.

The next step for all Ukrainians is lessons in the Czech language. Many of them are able to understand Czech, because they were actively involved in the activities of Czech clubs in Ukraine. They also began to study Czech before leaving their country. Language courses will be a necessary step for easier integration to Czech society.

On March 15, another 35 Ukrainian compatriots came to the Czech Republic. They arrived by plane and were welcomed by the Czech president Miloš Zeman, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lubomír Zaorálek and Minister of the Interior Petr Chovanec at Václav Havel Airport.

All compatriots will find their own apartment and livelihood in our country. Workers of Caritas of the Archdiocese of Prague are continuously helping them with this task.

By the end of March, 84 Ukrainian people had come to the Czech Republic. According to the Ministry of Interior, the Czech Republic is ready to receive further requests for resettlement of Ukrainian compatriots.