The article discusses the significance of foreign workers, especially from countries like Ukraine, in maintaining the Czech economy. It highlights the story of Svetlana, a Ukrainian immigrant who has been living in the Czech Republic for over ten years and now works as a kitchen assistant in a government cafeteria. Her experience reflects a broader trend where many sectors in the Czech Republic rely heavily on foreign labor to fill jobs in manual labor which locals often avoid.

Recent statistics from the Czech Statistical Office show that over one million foreigners reside in the country, with nearly 850,000 of them employed. This data underscores the importance of immigrant workers for sustaining various sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, and social services. Svetlana's modest wage and her observation that nearly all her coworkers are also foreign women further illustrate the demographic realities within these industries.

The article emphasizes the potential risks for the Czech economy should the reliance on foreign workers diminish. Without their contribution, sectors vital to the country's infrastructure, such as healthcare and social services, could face significant challenges. This highlights the need for policies to support and integrate foreign labor into the Czech economy, reinforcing its status as a crucial component for future growth and stability.