The Czech government is turning up the heat on illegal migration. Interior Minister Vít Rakušan, representing the STAN party—currently the third-largest political force in the country—confirmed that lawmakers are now weighing a series of proposals aimed at tightening the nation’s immigration laws.
Among the most striking of these measures is a plan to give police the power to seize mobile phones from individuals who can’t provide valid identification. The goal? To trace how and when they entered Czechia, track their movements, and gather evidence to support possible deportation orders.
Rakušan dismissed concerns about the European Union’s migration pact, insisting that it doesn’t throw open the doors to migrants. “This is about stricter rules for illegal migration,” he said, pushing back against critics who see the pact as too lenient.
Members of the governing coalition appear determined to move fast. STAN lawmaker Petr Letocha announced intentions to cut the standard legislative debate window by at least 30 days, underscoring the urgency to pass the reforms before the current electoral cycle wraps up.
“We need to act,” added Pavel Žáček, head of the security committee from the ruling ODS party. “Speeding up deportations and tightening migration laws is key.”
Still, pushing legislation through a sluggish parliament won’t be a walk in the park. Letocha acknowledged that getting it done won’t be easy, but emphasized the coalition’s commitment to shortening procedural timelines in order to meet its goals.
With migration continuing to be a flashpoint issue across Europe, Czechia’s leaders are betting that a firmer stance—and faster action—will resonate with voters.
