Migration has long been a sensitive issue in the Czech Republic, stirring strong emotions and political reactions. Although the country is experiencing demographic decline and its economy is partly driven by foreign labor, most people view migrants with distrust or even hostility.
The GET Czech team decided to write this article following an experience that highlighted how deeply polarizing the topic of migration still is in their country. A recent Facebook post published on their GET account received a wave of aggressive and negative comments, primarily centered around migration. While this incident was initially disheartening, they took it as an opportunity to reflect and discuss it more broadly through this article. The whole GET project team views this as a valuable moment to highlight not only the challenges but also the necessity of opening up dialogue on sensitive issues in the public space. We thank the Czech Team for sharing their experience and thoughts, which we report below.
From our perspective, the backlash we witnessed is unfortunately reflective of the current public atmosphere in the Czech Republic. Migration remains a highly polarized and emotionally charged topic here, often used by political actors to stir fear and division. As a result, any public mention of migration – even in an educational or human rights-oriented context – tends to provoke strong reactions, especially on social media.
Our original intention was to promote constructive engagement. The post was actively promoted and targeted towards audiences with an interest in global issues and education. However, due to Facebook’s engagement-focused algorithm, which boosts posts receiving strong reactions (even negative ones), the post quickly reached a much broader audience. It began circulating among users more likely to share hostile views. The result was a rapid shift in the tone of responses, and the comment section escalated into a toxic space within just three days over the weekend.
According to data from the European Social Survey, analyzed by news outlet Aktuálně.cz, Czechs rank among the most migrant-averse nations in Europe. Nearly 66% of respondents would ban the entry of migrants who are not of the same ethnic group, nationality, or race as Czechs. Attitudes are even more negative toward migrants from poor or war-torn countries – up to 86% of respondents would not allow them into the country at all or only in exceptional cases.
This rejection does not correlate with the actual number of migrants in the country – compared to Western Europe, their numbers in the Czech Republic are relatively low. Nevertheless, migration has become a major point of political debate and a frequent target of disinformation.
According to data from the NGO People in Need, the majority of foreigners in the Czech Republic come from nearby countries. The largest groups are citizens of Ukraine, Slovakia, Vietnam, and Russia. Most of them work, run businesses, or study. Yet foreigners are often seen as a homogeneous group that “takes jobs” or “abuses the system,” even though the facts show otherwise. In 2023, more than 1 million foreigners lived in the Czech Republic – around 10% of the population – largely due to the influx of Ukrainian refugees after the Russian invasion in 2022.
Negative perceptions of migration are often reinforced by how media and politicians frame the issue – frequently as a security threat rather than a natural socio-economic phenomenon. The Global Education Time platform highlights the need to change both education and communication around migration so the public can gain a broader and more realistic understanding. Surveys show that the greatest fears among Czechs are linked to different cultures, religions, and the perceived threat to the “Czech way of life.” Yet personal experience often changes attitudes – people who know or work with foreigners tend to be much more open.
In the case of our Facebook post, the most common fears expressed in the comments reflected well-known narratives that dominate Czech social media whenever migration is mentioned. Many commenters warned that migrants “will take our jobs,” “abuse the welfare system,” or “bring crime and violence.” Others raised concerns about Islam, “losing our culture,” or suggested that helping foreigners means “stealing resources from Czech citizens.” These narratives, although often unsupported by data, are emotionally powerful and repeatedly reinforced by some media outlets and populist politicians. A study by the STEM Institute also confirms that concerns over economic security, cultural identity, and public safety are the main themes behind the Czech public’s fear of migration.
Despite prevailing negativity, there are positive signs. Many NGOs, schools, and communities are working to improve the integration of foreigners and challenge stereotypes. Migration attitudes are also slowly changing, especially among younger generations, who have more global experience and exposure to diversity. Given the economic and demographic challenges the Czech Republic faces, migration policy will need to be reconsidered – not only from a humanitarian perspective but also a practical one. Migration is not a threat, but a reality – one that can bring both challenges and benefits if it is well managed and clearly communicated.
Our experience clearly shows how complex and emotionally charged the topic of migration remains in Czech society. That is exactly why projects like Global Education Time are so important. They provide space for open discussion, critical thinking, and reflection on global interdependence – especially in educational settings where young people are forming their views of the world. By addressing both the fears and realities of migration, we can foster understanding instead of division.
Join us in shaping a more informed and empathetic society. Explore, access, and share our free educational resources on migration by visiting the dedicated section on our website.
