Lithuania proposes stricter rules for foreign workers

VILNIUS – In a significant development, the authorities in Lithuania have proposed amendments to the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens.

The proposal was made by the interior ministry of Lithuania, aimed at tightening the existing requirements for incoming foreign workers and the businesses inviting them.

Interior Minister, Agne Bilotaite emphasized the importance of addressing labor shortages and humanitarian concerns while safeguarding national security and preventing the abuse of migration procedures during a press conference on Wednesday.

The proposed amendments include compelling employers to hire foreigners on a full-time basis and reinstating the requirement for employers to provide information on foreigners’ qualifications and experience.

Under the proposal, only foreigners holding a residence permit would be permitted to work in Lithuania, eliminating the option for those arriving under a visa-free regime or a Schengen visa.

Additionally, the amendments seek to cap the number of employers a foreigner can work for to a maximum of three, aiming to prevent cases of abuse where individuals work for numerous employers simultaneously.

Furthermore, failure to submit tax returns, as required by Lithuanian law, may result in the denial or revocation of temporary residence permits for foreigners.

The proposed amendments will soon undergo government review and, if approved by ministers, will be presented to the Seimas during its upcoming spring session.

Recent statistics from the Interior Ministry indicate a record number of foreigners living in Lithuania, exceeding 200,000 for the first time in the country’s history last year. The increase in foreign workers, primarily from Belarus, underscores the need for tighter regulations to manage migration effectively and protect national interests.

Meanwhile, echoing concerns over immigration, Hungarian authorities have recently announced strict actions against illegal foreign workers, including severe penalties of potential three-year sentences.

Lithuania, a Baltic nation in northeastern Europe, has a population of approximately 2.8 million people. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, with historic sites like Vilnius Old Town and the medieval Trakai Island Castle. The economy is characterized by a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and services, with key industries including electronics, textiles, and food processing. Its strategic location and membership in the EU contribute to its growing economy.