OFWs entering the Czech Republic may face challenges that affect their initial perception of the country. Czechs are very protective and "hard-shelled," but once Filipino OFWs overcome the initial insecurity, they will realize how similar the Czech way of life is to the Filipino way of life. Filipino workers in the Czech Republic have a great reputation among employers. Due to the controlled visa system and support from the DMW in the Philippines, ethical and valuable opportunities are opening up for OFWs. It is essential to select the right partners in the process, as well as the right employers (Czech businesses), where CzechTrade Philippines can be of assistance. CzechTrade Philippines can guide DMW-approved placement agencies with their knowledge of the industry, business, and regulations.

Ondrej Puchinger – Director CzechTrade Philippines

When assessing incoming foreigners, Czechs primarily take into account their work experience and economic contribution. Although personal contact with migrants reduces prejudice, highly qualified foreigners in Czechia often encounter discrimination, language barriers, and problems with the recognition of their qualifications.

This is according to recent research conducted as part of a Czech Science Foundation project entitled Perspectives of Highly Qualified Migrants and Public Attitudes Towards Them at the Department of Development and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Palacký University in Olomouc.

"According to current research, Czechs prefer migrants who are younger but also have extensive work experience – ideally more than 11 years. Economic criteria – employment and the ability to communicate in Czech – play a major role in deciding who should have their visa extended or residence permit granted," said Lucie Macková, the project's principal investigator from the Department of Development and Environmental Studies.

The results regarding the attitudes of the Czech public are based on a representative questionnaire survey among Czech citizens aged 18 and over.

An interesting finding is that a personal contact with foreigners leads to a greater openness to migration in general but has no influence on the criteria for who should be accepted into the Czech Republic. People who have friends or colleagues among foreigners are no less strict in their demands on newcomers than those who have no personal experience with migrants.

The origin of migrants also matters

The research also shows that public attitudes are not neutral towards the origin of migrants. "According to the findings, foreigners from Vietnam and the Philippines have a significantly higher chance of obtaining or extending their visas than Ukrainians, for example. At the opposite end of the scale are migrants from Syria and Egypt, whose chances are significantly lower," said Macková.

The research also included 73 in-depth interviews with highly skilled migrants living in Czechia. All of them had a university education and worked in various professional sectors. Nevertheless, many of them describe experiences of discrimination – at government offices, when looking for housing, in accessing healthcare, or in public. They often face stereotypes and prejudices that do not take their professional status into account.

"Another key problem is that foreign qualifications are not automatically recognized in Czechia. Foreign degrees arouse mistrust, and language barriers further complicate professional integration, especially in fields such as healthcare," added Macková.

The research paid particular attention to foreign scientists and doctoral students who could be an asset to the Czech academic sphere. However, many encounter low wages, uncertain working conditions, and a lack of funding. Czechia thus becomes more of a springboard than a destination for them. Some had to earn extra money outside their field during their doctoral studies—for example, by working in fast food restaurants.

Written by: Miroslav Hradil (novinky.cz)