Lithuania’s new head of the Migration Department, Indrė Gasperė, has said the country plans to tighten its migration rules to prevent abuse of the system, but not to reduce the number of migrants entering the country. She made this known during an interview with LRT Radio shortly after assuming office.
Gasperė explained that the focus of the policy shift is better control of migration procedures. According to her, stricter rules are needed to stop third-country nationals from exploiting legal loopholes, submitting forged documents, or misusing residence permits. She stressed that the aim is not to discourage migration but to ensure the system is fair and properly regulated.
She said some foreigners enter Lithuania on one legal basis and remain in the country on another. Examples include people arriving as students but working illegally, or entering into sham marriages to secure residence rights. Gasperė said such practices show clear weaknesses in the current system that need to be addressed.
The Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas, began reviewing proposed amendments to migration laws in December. Under the proposal, third-country nationals applying for temporary residence or work permits would need to meet at least one requirement. This includes having relevant professional qualifications or having worked for at least one year within the past three years. The changes would also introduce stricter conditions for admitting foreign students.
Despite calling for tighter controls, Gasperė made it clear that Lithuania does not intend to cut migrant numbers. She said the government’s goal is to stop abuse, not to limit legal migration. According to her, a well-regulated system benefits both the state and migrants who follow the rules.
Gasperė also highlighted migrant integration as a key priority. She said cooperation with foreign communities is essential and encouraged migrants to see integration as being in their own interest as well as that of Lithuanian society. Learning the Lithuanian language, she said, should play a central role in this process.
She added that migrants, especially those working in the service sector, should be required to have at least basic knowledge of Lithuanian. According to her, an A1-level Lithuanian language certificate should be mandatory, calling it a sign of respect for the country and its people.
Gasperė officially took over as head of the Migration Department on Thursday, replacing Evelina Gudzinskaitė. The department is responsible for managing the legal status of foreigners, citizenship matters, and the issuance of residence permits and travel documents.
Does Lithuania plan to reduce the number of migrants?
No. Authorities say the focus is on preventing abuse of the migration system, not cutting migrant numbers.