Some 1,164 Belarusian and Russian nationals have been deemed a threat to Lithuania's national security, meaning they were not able to renew or claim their residency permit or visa.
The rejections follow the introduction of a mandatory questionnaire for Belarusian and Russian nationals, the Migration Department said on Friday in a press release. The survey includes questions on the Russian war in Ukraine and whether Crimea belongs to Kyiv.
In all, 910 Belarusian citizens were deemed a threat – 337 were refused a temporary residence permit, and 121 were denied its renewal.
Another 205 Belarusians had their previously valid temporary residence permits revoked and two Belarusian citizens were refused permanent residence permits. Four Belarusians had their permanent residence permits revoked.
Additionally, 241 Belarusians also saw their applications for a Lithuanian national visa rejected.
Meanwhile, 254 Russian citizens were deemed a threat. Forty-three Russian nationals were refused temporary residence permits and 46 were refused renewal.
Another 59 Russian citizens had their previous temporary residence permits revoked and 52 people lost their permanent residence permits. Two Russian citizens were denied permanent residence permits when applying for the first time, while 52 Russians were denied a national visa.
All 1,164 individuals were also banned from entering Lithuania.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Lithuania took measures to restrict Belarusian and Russian nationals from entering the country.
Despite welcoming thousands of people fleeing repressions following the 2020 presidential election in Belarus, Lithuania’s approach to the country’s citizens has become more critical.
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