Prague now tops for expat workers

Expats at all levels now make up over a quarter of Prague’s entire workforce.

A recent report states that, out of the city’s approximately 700,000 workforce, 200,000 are expatriates and make up around 15 per cent of the Czech capital’s entire population of 1.3 million. The report, released by the city’s Institute of Planning and Development, is based on reliable labour office data and includes foreign workers with both trade licenses and employee cards.

According to a spokesperson from the institute, expat workers are now an essential part of Prague’s economy and are more flexible and accommodating than the local labour force. The majority arrive from neighbouring states such as Slovakia and the Ukraine, with Russians also contributing to the city’s growing economic prospects. In addition to being more adjustable, many are happy to accept less than perfect employment conditions.

American expats working in Prague number 2,554, with Britons contributing to a total of 4,057. Around 5,500 Polish expats, just under 4,000 Hungarians, around 3,000 French and Italians respectively and just under 3,000 Germans are also registered to work in the country. In the IT sector, it’s rare to hear Czech spoken, as employees in the sector are normally expat professionals from the UK, Costa Rica and the Ukraine. Previously, Vietnamese expats made up a considerable number of Prague’s expat community, but many are now taking advantage of employment opportunities in their home country.

Another positive aspect of Prague’s employment scene is that increasing numbers of expat females are now taking jobs in the city. From just 25 per cent of the foreign worker totals ten years ago, just under half of expat jobs are now being taken by women. Recruitment agencies are pushing Prague’s attractions for expat professionals, emphasising quality of life and good opportunities for those determined to grow their careers by taking an overseas posting. According to leading players in the field, it’s not just workers from EU member states who’re flocking to the city, with Filipinos, Serbians and other citizens of Southeast Asian countries also searching for jobs.