Lithuania Implements Stricter Regulations for Bringing Foreign Workers into the Country

Lithuania has recently implemented new measures to tighten its labor immigration controls in an effort to prevent the abuse of work-related immigration procedures. The changes were signed by the Lithuanian Minister of Interior, Agnės Bilotaitė, and aim to address challenges posed by increasing labor migration flows.

The key modifications to the procedures for issuing temporary residence permits to foreigners in the country will make it harder for employers to bring foreign workers to Lithuania. The country seeks to combat the emergence of numerous companies facilitating the issuance of temporary residence permits without engaging in actual activities.

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Minister Bilotaitė emphasized the need to prevent the abuse of immigration procedures, citing increasing labor migration flows as a serious threat to the country. The amended procedure outlines specific cases under which companies can no longer invite foreigners for employment. If a company is found to engage in irregular activities or fails to justify its need for foreign workers, it may be prohibited from inviting foreigners for a period of six months.

Furthermore, the transfer of authority to approve the list of external service providers has been moved from the Migration Department to the Minister of the Interior, requiring coordination between the Migration Department, the State Security Department, the police, and the State Border Guard Service.

Last year, Lithuania experienced an influx of around 50,000 foreign workers, with a notable increase in arrivals from Belarus, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. The new measures aim to safeguard national security interests and regulate the flow of foreigners entering the country for work purposes.

With these changes, Lithuania is taking a proactive approach to ensure the integrity of its labor immigration procedures and to address any potential abuse. The country is committed to fostering a fair and transparent process for foreign workers seeking employment opportunities in Lithuania.