News

As of June 12, the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum has come into effect in all EU member states. 

The Pact aims to strengthen migration management, ensure more effective asylum and return procedures, enhance the security of external borders, and prepare for potential changes in migration flows.  

To implement the Pact, the Lithuanian Government approved the amendments to the Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners and related legislation proposed by the Ministry of the Interior.  

A clear procedure for implementing the solidarity mechanism has been established: decisions on the number of people to be relocated will be made by the Government, while decisions regarding each specific foreign national to be relocated will be made by the Migration Department.  

Back in December, Lithuania decided on the form of its solidarity contribution. After assessing national capacity, the migration situation in the region, and the capabilities of municipalities, a mixed model was chosen: a portion of the number of persons allocated to Lithuania will be accepted, while the remaining portion will be compensated through a financial contribution. The total contribution is distributed proportionally: 50 percent through resettlement, 50 percent through financial contribution.  

It should be noted that foreign nationals who do not meet the conditions for entry into the EU will undergo screening, identity verification, and a security assessment.  

In addition, the Pact also covers applicants for international protection. Those arriving from safe countries or posing a security threat will be subject to expedited border procedures, while individuals who do not meet the criteria for the state’s security will be returned more effectively.