In debates over immigration, one key fact often gets lost: the Czech Republic needs foreign workers. Without them, the economy would stall.
The Czech labor market is tight. Unemployment has hovered near record lows for years—around 3% or less, one of the lowest rates in the EU. That might sound like good news, but it hides a structural problem: there are simply not enough people to fill the jobs. The Czech workforce is aging and shrinking. Demographics are not on the country’s side.
This is where immigration becomes not just useful, but essential. Migrant workers, especially from Ukraine, Slovakia, Vietnam, and other parts of Eastern Europe and Asia, are filling critical labor shortages in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and increasingly in healthcare and services. These are not jobs being “stolen” from Czechs. These are roles that Czech employers cannot fill—even after offering higher wages.
A 2023 report by the Czech National Bank (ČNB) noted that foreign labor helps prevent wage-driven inflation by easing pressure on overheating sectors.
It is not just about low-wage labor. Skilled migrants—especially healthcare professionals—are becoming increasingly important. The Czech health system is under strain, and many Czech doctors are nearing retirement age. Immigrant doctors and nurses are already helping fill the gap, particularly in rural areas.
There is also a long-term benefit: demographics. Immigration helps slow population decline, stabilize pension systems, and bring in younger workers who pay taxes and contribute to social services.
Yes, immigration policy must be managed. Integration matters. Language skills, fair labor standards, and community support all play a role. But the economic case is clear: the Czech economy is stronger with immigration than without it.
Cutting off immigration will not protect the Czech worker. It will hurt them—by slowing the economy, straining public services, and making life more expensive for everyone.
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