Czechia — Older Refugees from Ukraine: Assessing and supporting their needs (February - March 2024)

This report is based on a mixed method study conducted among older refugees, a group that has been identified by previous research, including that of IOM, as being among the most vulnerable. It shows that economic self-reliance and language adaptation can be problematic for these individuals. Consequently, they often depend on external support, which in most cases, is provided by their family members. Many of them, regardless of their age, want to work, and not to be a burden to their families or society.

Data collection took place between the dates of 13 February and 28 March 2024, resulting in 403 interviews with refugees from Ukraine. In 128 cases, additional information was collected during the qualitative interview phase.

Key Findings

• 77% of respondents had serious health specific needs
• 73% were registered with a general health practitioner
• Only 12% were employed, where 29% were working without a written contract
• 50% of employed respondents were working 160 hours or more per month
• One-third of respondents could speak Czech (35% of women, 30% of men)
• Over half the respondents couldn’t afford 2,500 CZK as an unexpected expense
• Two-thirds of respondents have a monthly household income of less than 12,500 CZK
• 82% of respondents reported at least one priority need