Czechia’s updated economic-migration quotas took effect on 1 July, but their impact is now being felt by multinationals recruiting from East Africa. The Czech Embassy in Addis Ababa confirms that only 80 employee-card applications will be accepted for the entire year, all reserved for Highly Qualified Worker or Key & Research Staff applicants. Business-visa slots are similarly limited to just 12.
Companies planning to transfer Ethiopian or regional staff to Czech plants must therefore secure programme sponsorship from the Ministry of Industry and Trade or shift filings to other posts, such as Nairobi or Pretoria, where quotas remain more generous. Employers that miss the monthly allocation are turned away until the next tranche opens, potentially delaying projects well into 2026.
Companies planning to transfer Ethiopian or regional staff to Czech plants must therefore secure programme sponsorship from the Ministry of Industry and Trade or shift filings to other posts, such as Nairobi or Pretoria, where quotas remain more generous. Employers that miss the monthly allocation are turned away until the next tranche opens, potentially delaying projects well into 2026.
