Lithuania signals tougher migration policy as abuses raise concerns
Illustrative photo: Lithuania considers tightening migration policy (Getty Images)
Lithuania has to revise its migration policy to end situations in which third-country nationals arriving in the country forge documents and abuse migration procedures, according to Indrė Gasperė, the new head of Lithuania's Migration Department.
Gasperė stressed that the issue is not about reducing migration but about modernizing and streamlining migration policy to improve control over the process.
"The position of the Migration Department has not yet been fully formulated, but as I understand it—including from my experience as a former official at the Ministry of Interior—the ministry's position is to tighten migration policy. However, this tightening is aimed solely at preventing abuse of migration procedures," she said.
The Migration Department head notes that there are many ways to manipulate and exploit the migration system. For example, people arrive in Lithuania ostensibly to study but in reality work there. Another scheme involves the use of sham marriages.
At the same time, Gasperė added that she is seeking greater integration of migrants into Lithuanian society. Therefore, migrants should be required to learn the Lithuanian language and obtain relevant certificates. At a minimum, everyone working in the service sector should obtain an A1-level certificate—at the very least, this is a sign of respect for the host country.
"We need to cooperate with foreign communities and see a shared interest—that integration into our society is in their interest as well. We would all benefit from this. That is why I see integration and learning the Lithuanian language as a very positive change," she concluded.
Meanwhile, Denmark has announced its intention to tighten deportation rules for foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes, regardless of their level of integration into society or their ties to the country.
EU countries have also agreed on stricter rules for granting asylum and returning migrants, paving the way for one of the largest migration reforms in recent years. In particular, Germany is tightening migration controls: deportations are being simplified, and citizenship requirements are being strengthened, which will directly affect foreigners and the naturalization process.
The most far-reaching changes to migrant admissions take place in the United States. Last year, the Trump administration issued new rules governing the issuance of US visas to foreign nationals. Under the new rules, people with cancer, obesity, and various chronic illnesses may be denied visas. Visas will also not be approved for people who require social benefits or would otherwise place a burden on the budget.
The US also halts the issuance of green cards to foreign nationals. Washington plans to pay migrants $3,000 for leaving the United States. Alongside this "carrot," a "stick" is also used: the Trump administration plans to build special detention centers for undocumented migrants, significantly intensify migration raids in 2026 despite public controversy, and overall accelerate the deportation of migrants from the United States.
