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EMN Lithuania has published the 2024 Migration Policy in Lithuania report, which reviews key developments in migration and asylum policy and presents the latest migrations statistics.

Net international migration of Lithuanian nationals has been positive for the fifth consecutive year. This means that more of its citizens return to Lithuania every year than leave to live abroad. In 2024, 23,000 more people entered the country than left it. A total of 28,658 people left, of whom 9,486 were Lithuanian citizens.

The most common countries of destination for emigrants were Belarus, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

Meanwhile, in 2024, 51,757 people immigrated to Lithuania - mostly from Ukraine, Belarus, Uzbekistan, India, and Tajikistan. The majority arrived on the grounds of work or temporary protection and were granted temporary residence permits.

Returning Lithuanians also made a significant contribution to the rising immigration figures, accounting for 37% of all immigrants. Most of them came back from countries that have long been among the most popular emigration destinations - the United Kingdom, Norway, Ireland, and Germany.

The relevance of return migration is further highlighted by a diaspora survey commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lithuania. It revealed that 57% of Lithuanian emigrants do not rule out the possibility of returning to Lithuania at some point in the future, while 8% plan to do so within the next two years. As one of the main factors encouraging their return, 58% of respondents pointed the family and friends living in Lithuania.

Alongside the prospect of Lithuanians returning home, the country also remains an important destination for those seeking asylum from persecution or instability in their own countries.

Over the past year, 362 people applied for asylum in Lithuania - 52% of the applications were approved. Most applications came from citizens of Belarus (38.7%), Russia (13%), Ukraine (6.4%), Tajikistan (6.1%), Uzbekistan (5.8%), and Iraq (5.5%). A decrease in applications was observed compared to 2023, when 575 asylum requests were submitted.

In addition to asylum procedures, Lithuania has maintained a focused response through temporary protection for Ukrainians displaced by the war. In August 2024, the Government extended temporary protection for Ukrainian war refugees until March 2026. However, to ensure stability and reduce administrative burden, the Government later approved the Ministry of the Interior’s proposal to prolong temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens for an additional year - until 4 March 2027.

Furthermore, in response to the growing need for effective migrant integration, new institutional measures have been introduced in Lithuania. To centralize the accommodation of migrants and improve the provision of social and other services, a dedicated institution - the Reception and Integration Agency - has been established to oversee these functions. The agency has launched two integration programs: a socio-cultural training initiative to familiarise migrants with Lithuanian laws, history, and social norms, and a mental health program offering support services for those facing psychological difficulties.

How has asylum policy changed? What changes have been implemented in the area of integration? The answer to these questions can be found in the 2024 Lithuanian Migration Policy report.

The publication was prepared according to the 2024 Report on the Implementation of the Lithuanian Migration Policy Guidelines and Monitoring of Migration Processes.

Links:
Migration Policy in Lithuania 2024 (LT)
Migration Policy in Lithuania 2024 (EN)