Lithuanian Conservative MPs Propose Stricter Residency Rules for Russians & Belarusians

Proposals to tighten residence rules for Russians and Belarussians in Lithuania have recently been made by three opposition MPs from Lithuania’s conservative Homeland Union.

Laurynas Kasčiūnas, Audronius Ažubalis, and Valdas Rakutis have recommended revoking Lithuanian residence permits for Russians and Belarusians making frequent visits to their home countries, Schengen.News reports. 

They have suggested adding this provision to a law, in response to ongoing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Three MPs have submitted a proposal to halt the issuance of residence permits to Belarusians without a valid visa, just like for Russians. They have also proposed to revoke permits for nationals of these two countries if they travel to their home countries more than once in three months. 

However, the proposal from Laurynas Kasčiūnas, Audronius Ažubalis, and Valdas Rakutis consists of an exemption that would be applied to carriers, those transiting through these countries, truck drivers as well as all those travelling for exemptional reasons. 

According to conservative politicians, the number of Belarusians with residence permits in Lithuania has increased sharply in recent years, to about 62,000. 

The vast majority of Belarusians holding temporary residence permits in Lithuania return to Belarus more or less regularly. Among them are those with temporary residence permits issued on humanitarian grounds. In December 2023, 38,000 such cases were recorded,” MPs’ argumentation. 

Extended Sanctions on Russia & Belarus 
Amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia, authorities in Lithuania have imposed several sanctions on Russia as well as in Belarus. 

In December 2024, Lithuanian authorities said that existing national sanctions imposed on Russian and Belarusian citizens would be extended for another year. 

The sanctions applied by Lithuania were scheduled to remain in place until May 3, 2025. If the measure is extended it means that it will remain effective until May 2, 2026. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania drafted an amendment to further extend the measure.

The extension of this measure means that Russians and Belarusians will continue to be prohibited from submitting applications for a short-term visa in Lithuania. 

In line with the sanctions imposed by Lithuanian authorities, the country will continue to refuse accepting residence permit applications from nationals of these two countries.

Source: https://schengen.news/lithuanian-conservative-mps-propose-stricter-residency-rules-for-russians-belarusians/