Proposed Law May Restrict Uzbek Taxi Drivers in Czechia
Four Czech MPs from government and opposition parties have come together to propose stricter requirements for obtaining a taxi driver’s license in the country, specifically targeting non-EU citizens. The proposed legislation would directly impact a significant number of taxi drivers from Uzbekistan, who currently hold licenses in the Czech Republic.
According to reports by Prague Morning, it has been noted that out of nearly 15,000 taxi driver licenses issued, only 55% are held by Czech citizens. The remaining licenses are distributed among Ukrainians, Uzbek nationals, Nigerians, and others. The MPs behind the proposal believe that stricter regulations are necessary to ensure the safety of passengers and the public.
The proposed amendment to the Government’s Road Transport Act is being put forward by MPS Renáta Zajíčková (ODS), Patrik Nacher (YES), Michal Zuna (TOP 09), and Jakub Michálek (Pirates). They argue that the influx of foreign taxi drivers, particularly those from former Soviet states and Africa, poses risks due to their lack of familiarity with local road conditions and regulations.
MP Renáta Zajíčková emphasized that the amendment aims to address concerns about foreign drivers using home-country licenses in Prague, where they may struggle to navigate heavy traffic and comply with road rules. The proposed legislation would require taxi drivers to hold a Czech or EU-issued driving license to operate in the country.
Co-sponsor Patrik Nacher highlighted the practice of some taxi operators hiring foreign drivers to save on costs and skirt local licensing requirements. The amendment aims to increase oversight by including foreign licenses in the police database, ultimately improving road safety in the Czech Republic.
