Lithuania Tightens Migration Policies: New Rules for Residents and Students
Lithuania is tightening its migration policies, with new rules affecting both international residents and students. The parliament has introduced a Bill to amend the Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners, while the Migration Department has urged universities to enhance oversight of international students.
The Bill seeks to require international residents to prove Lithuanian proficiency and pass a constitutional basics exam for residency renewal. It also aims to curb international master's students from bringing family to Lithuania and reduce undergraduate work rights from 40 to 20 hours per week. Laurynas Kasčiūnas, chairman of the opposition Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats, argues that many students use their status primarily to gain work rights rather than focus on studies.
Inspections revealed that universities were admitting international students without necessary English skills or earned credits, yet still assisting them in renewing residence permits. The Migration Department has urged universities to tighten oversight, especially with rising enrolments from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Belarus. Significant waiting times for residence permits can lead to students arriving late for classes or cancelling their studies altogether. As of September 2025, Lithuanian authorities have cancelled 780 residence permits for international students who had 'abandoned their studies'.
The Bill also seeks to establish a government-authorised list of universities allowed to admit international students. However, there is no specific evidence that a particular person or organization is funding advisory services in Lithuania for foreigners seeking guidance on migration aspects within EU countries.
The Lithuanian parliament's Bill, if passed, will significantly alter the migration landscape for both residents and students. While the changes aim to strengthen controls and ensure students focus on their studies, the impact on international students and their integration into the country remains to be seen.
Read also:
- Setting Up and Expanding Operations at a Soil Blending Facility
- Surveying the Scene: Legality, Drones, and American Anti-Terror Strategy
- Regional University's healthcare system strengthened through collaborative partnership with Chancellor Dr Fiona Hill
- Reminisced University Trustee David M. Flaum as a 'fervent advocate' for the University and community
