Job Discussion Forums

[Sigma]

I believe all of these laws were passed a few days ago.

http://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/changes-in-conditions-for-the-entry-and-stay-on-the-territory-of-the-czech-republic-under-preparation-for-2011.aspx

- Insurance rates for foreigners could go up to 30,000kc a year.
- The Ministry of Interior will now be dealing with many of the issues the Foreigners Police previously looked after.
- Introduction of blue cards

Previously, I could go to my local Foreigners Police, but now I must go 40km to the closest one. Apparently they (the government) will save 210 million crowns.

http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/zpravy/czech-pesident-klaus-signs-amended-law-on-foreigners-stay/573718

"Moreover, the law contains measures to prevent expedient applying for a long-term stay with the intention to secure a short-term stay in the country.

The law makes companies co-responsible for the foreigners they employ. They will be obliged to cover the costs of the expulsion of a foreigner who did not leave the Czech Republic after his/her work permit expired, and the costs of health care for a foreigner whom the company laid off before his/her work permit expired."

[spiral78]

That will certainly make things more difficult for newbies, assuming that the laws are applied.

[sisyphus]

It's a dreadful time to start in the Czech rep; the efl market is woeful atm. I know teachers without work who have lots of quals and experience.

[gwynnie86]

Can someone summarise/make sense of these? It sounds as if it will be nearly impossible to get a work visa... can you get accommodation and secure an income without a visa to start with?
I am British and my partner is (U.S.) American.... I'm getting confused by all this visa business....

[spiral78]

Your partner will have 90 days to land a job with an employer who will help him/her navigate the visa system. Normally, so long as the paperwork has been filed, he/she will be ok to start work. Time your arrival in the CR for success - most job contracts are signed in late August/September.

Be sure your partner has adequate certification (CELTA or equivalent on-site course). There are lots of course providers in Prague, and any kind of on-line or short course will put him/her at a disadvantage on a market where most newbies have the on-site 100+ hour course.

British = no visa worries. Advice regarding certification still applies.

[teflworldwide]

The TEFL job market is not as bad as some are leading you to believe...English teachers are always needed and there aren't enough EU ones to supply the demand.

And while the visa rules have changed this year in the Czech Republic, they will hardly affect Americans or native English speakers. While some schools will strictly want to hire EU citizens, a number of schools in Prague are still willing to hire Americans and help with a visa.

[Sigma]

It could be more difficult for people to get a business license, if the government gets what they want.

http://zpravy.idnes.cz/vnitro-chce-omezit-priliv-cizincu-na-zivnost-v-cesku-by-museli-mit-miliony-1u9-/domaci.asp?c=A110303_094918_domaci_jj

Apparently, the government wants to stop people from abusing the system, so the applicant for a business license must have 5,000,000kc at their disposal.

[maastricht]

I read the discussion in English here http://www.expats.cz/prague/showthread.php?t=338409&page=1&pp=7.

How long would it take them to pass such a law? And if they are going to make a 5 mill capital requirement for zivno but leave the sro capital requirements so low, it doesn't make sense.

Sorry, but $300,000 startup capital to teach English?

[Sigma]

"The Interior Ministry is considering a measure that would require non-EU foreigners to invest 5 million Kč into their company in order to receive an entrepreneur visa. The visa could only be renewed after two years if the company is successful and if tax and social security are paid. Under a circular migration proposal for unskilled workers, laborers could stay in the country up to two years before being required to return home for three months before applying for a new visa."

http://www.praguepost.com/business/business-briefs/8744-tax-revenues-fell-2-percent-on-the-year.html