On 1 January, 2018, an amendment of the anti-discrimination law and the Ombudsman Act which gives the ombudswoman the authority to examine whether workers from other EU countries are not discriminated on the grounds of their origin became effective.
The amendment represents an introduction of the corresponding European legislation to Czech law. The freedom of movement of persons is one of the four fundamental freedoms constituting the European single market, and the prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of nationality represents one of the basic principles which enable the freedom of movement.
The ombudswoman is, therefore, entitled to monitor whether workers or their relatives from other EU member states are not dealt with in a less advantageous manner than the Czech citizens on the basis of their origin (e.g. unreasonable language requirements or permanent residence etc.). Also, the ombudswoman will provide these persons with counselling services and recommend possible steps towards improvement to the state authorities.
In the same manner, Czech citizens who would feel discriminated in another EU member state on the grounds of their nationality are entitled to seek assistance of the local respective authority.
