Lithuania changes rules for Ukrainians

Lithuania changes rules for Ukrainians

Lithuania is introducing new rules for the employment of Ukrainians without temporary protection. From September, such persons will be able to work in the country only after receiving a residence permit.

This was reported by LRT. It is noted that from September 1, a foreigner – including a citizen of Ukraine – who does not have the right to temporary protection, but cannot return to Ukraine due to military action, but has applied for a permit on the basis of work or for humanitarian reasons, will have the right to work in Lithuania only from the date of receipt of this document – and not from the date of filing the application.

"These changes will not have any impact on Ukrainian refugees in Lithuania who use the temporary protection mechanism introduced by the European Union. The Migration Department issues them electronic residence permits," the statement said.

It is also noted that citizens of Ukraine, their family members, as well as stateless persons who lived in Ukraine and left it for Lithuania due to a full-scale war, who took advantage of the opportunity to start working without permission from the employment service or a decision on the compliance of the foreigner’s work with the needs of the Lithuanian labour market, may continue working without the above decision. However, only on the condition that:

• they apply for a residence permit on the basis of work;
• the employment relationship continues with the same employer.

It is also noted that newly arrived refugees can find employment as soon as they submit an application to the Migration Department for a residence permit based on temporary protection. That is, the procedure for them has not changed.