Lithuania Proposes Revoking Residence Permits For Belarusians Who Travel To Their Homeland

The final decision is to be made by the Seimas.

On April 3, the Lithuanian Seimas Committee on National Security and Defense supported stricter national sanctions against citizens of Russia and Belarus.

Committee members unanimously backed a proposal by Laurynas Kasčiūnas, Audronius Ažubalis, and Valdas Rakutis to suspend the issuance of residence permits in Lithuania to Belarusian and Russian citizens unless they have a valid visa. Additionally, existing residence permits should be revoked if these citizens travel to Russia or Belarus more than once within three calendar months, reports LRT.

Politicians argue that Belarusian authorities could recruit such individuals for intelligence purposes. Exceptions will be made for transporters and truck drivers traveling through Belarus and Russia or for trips taken due to unavoidable circumstances beyond the individual's control.

The proposal has been supported by the Lithuanian President’s Office and the State Security Department (SSD) but criticized by business organizations. Povilas Drižas-Akvile Razuvene, CEO of the International Transport and Logistics Alliance, warned that the new restrictions would reduce the number of Belarusians working in Lithuania, disproportionately affecting the country’s economy.

The final decision on these proposals will be made by the Seimas.

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