Problems relating to Trade and Investment on Czech Republic

 
16. Employment
Issue
Issue details
Requests
Reference
(1) Difficulty in Acquisition of Work Permit and Visa - It takes much time to apply for issuance of visa locally in Czech Republic (sometimes taking 3-months). Recently, on visa application filed in Japan, GOC requires submission of Certificate for Coverage under Social Security Agreement (CCSSA Certificate), the procedures of which are quite time consuming, delaying the visa acquisition.
- It takes complex procedures for acquisition and renewal of work permits and visas for expatriates and their accompanying family members.		 - It is requested that GOC:
-- obviates the need for CCSSA Certificate, as before, and
-- expedites the visa issuance procedures.
- It is requested that GOC streamlines and expedites the procedures.		 - Immigration Act, etc
(2) Excessive Protection of Workers - Medical certificates (for certificate of sickness, certificate for patient requiring rest for recuperation, etc. readily issued by doctors) are the source of problems. Doctors are willing to issue medical certificates for a slightest injury or sickness, stating "Rest and recuperation are necessary." - It is requested that Government of Czech (GOC) takes steps to penalize or monitor issuance of inadequate medical certificate.
(3) Frequent changes/ strengthening of Regulations related to Labour Matters - Frequent changes/toughening of Labour Related Rules and Regulations interfere with business activities.
(Example) Frequent change of the contract period, making compulsory heath check of their employees (including short-term employees) at employers' expense, etc.
(4) Exemption Period for Double Payment of Social Insurance Premium - 5-years have lapsed since ratification of Japan-Czech Social Security Agreement. It is expected that further social security coverage beyond this would not be possible. Where an expatriate stays in Czech for more than 5-years, and if no further agreement is reached between Czech and Japan by filing application, double payment of social security premium results in Japan and Czech. - It is requested that Governments of Czech and Japan extend the exemption period. As it stands, expatriates from Japan can stay in Czech for less than 5-years. It diminishes the expatriates' contribution to the company's business.

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