The Czech government has decided to postpone proposed stricter conditions for granting special long-term residency permits to Ukrainian refugees. Despite the push from Tomio Okamura, the leader of the SPD party, the coalition partners voted against introducing immediate changes. Okamura expressed frustration over being outvoted, highlighting the SPD's intent to propose stricter measures in the future, indicating that the current leniency may not last.

Under the existing regulations, Ukrainian refugees may qualify for special long-term residency if they have been living in the Czech Republic under temporary protection for at least two years or if their gross annual income exceeds 440,000 CZK. They must also pass a security check, and neither they nor their family members can be beneficiaries of social welfare. These measures reflect the Czech government's cautious approach to integration while balancing public sentiment towards Ukrainian refugees.

The postponement reflects ongoing discussions around immigration policies in the Czech Republic, especially as the country continues to host a significant number of Ukrainian refugees due to the conflict in Ukraine. The SPD's pressure indicates a growing tension within the government about how to handle the influx of refugees and the social responsibilities that come with it, suggesting that future debates on this topic will likely be contentious and politically charged.