The EU accession states, including the Czech Republic, were designated as safe countries of origin on 15 September 2003 by order made under the Refugee Act 1996. By virtue of this designation, asylum applications from nationals of these states are prioritised for processing by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Accordingly, it is expected that there will be very few such applications on hands on 1 May 2004 when the Czech Republic becomes a full member of the European Union.
The position concerning the treatment of any outstanding asylum applications which may be on hands from nationals of the accession states generally on 1 May 2004 is under consideration at the present time and will have regard to the fact that from that date, the ten accession states will be party to the treaties governing the European Communities and their citizens will, in general, enjoy the same rights in relation to free movement as current EU citizens.