Lithuania has tightened immigration rules for citizens from "hostile countries", according to the Interior Ministry's press release.
“By tightening the legal regulation on immigration and citizenship procedures, we protect the country from individuals who may pose a threat to national security,” Interior Minister Agnė Bilotaitė said.
The list of hostile countries and territories, approved in March 2022, includes Russia, Belarus, annexed Crimea, Transnistria, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia.
The changes introduce requirements to submit additional documents or information for "certain categories" of foreigners applying for a visa, residence permit, or residence card for a family member of an EU citizen.
Bilotaitė also tasked the Migration Department to carry out checks on Russian citizens, including those with dual citizenship, who have arrived from Belarus under the business relocation scheme.
The Migration Department was also tasked to pay special attention to the procedures for the loss of Lithuanian citizenship in cases where a Lithuanian citizen acquires Belarusian or Russian citizenship, the ministry said.
The Interior Ministry also plans to put forward amendments, which would allow to revoke residence permits and Lithuanian citizenship from foreign nationals.
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