Lithuanian authorities have revoked the temporary residence permit of a Russian citizen for repeatedly travelling to Russia and Belarus, violating new restrictions that came into effect in May, the Migration Department said Thursday.
The individual is the first to lose residency status under the law, which bars Russian citizens from travelling to either country more than once every three months. Thirty other cases are currently under investigation.
According to the department, 34 Russian nationals have been identified as potentially violating the new rule, which was introduced in response to Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine.
The law allows authorities to revoke temporary residence permits issued to Russian citizens if they have crossed into Russia or Belarus more than once within any three-month period.
Migration officials said procedures have been initiated to revoke the permits of 30 more Russian citizens. Authorities are verifying details and awaiting explanations from the individuals concerned.
Exceptions to the travel ban apply to transport workers, including vehicle crews employed by companies conducting international freight or passenger services to or from the European Union, or transiting through Lithuania. These individuals must be able to provide proof of employment, such as work certificates.
The Migration Department said the individuals currently under review do not qualify for this exemption.
In May alone, 292 Russian citizens crossed Lithuania’s borders into Russia or Belarus more than once. However, most of them fall under the legally allowed exceptions.
Lithuania’s parliament imposed the national restriction following warnings from intelligence agencies that individuals travelling to Russia or Belarus could face recruitment attempts by hostile intelligence services.
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