More than 700 Belarusians and Russians Recognized as a Threat to Lithuanian State Security Last Year
According to the statistics of the Migration Department, 598 Belarusian and 125 Russian citizens were recognized as posing a threat to state security, public order, or human health last year. That is fewer than the year before, when the totals of Russians and Belarusians posing a threat amounted to 1428.
According to the results obtained after processing public and non-public information and data, received from the State Security Department in 2024, 598 citizens of Belarus pose a threat to the state security. 179 of them were denied a temporary residence permit and 232 had to leave the country, when their expired document was not replaced.
The Migration Department also initiated the cancellation of 175 temporary residence permits held by citizens of Belarus that had not reached the expiration date yet. 3 more Belarusians were denied permanent residence permits, and 9 more of these documents were cancelled.
The number of Russian citizens, recognised as posing a threat to the state security, was 125. 35 Russians were denied a temporary residence permit and 36 more were not renewed after expiration. 24 more temporary residence permits and 29 permanent residence permits held by Russian citizens were cancelled.
A decision to deny a permanent resident permit, when a person has applied for it for the first time was made in 16 cases of Russian citizens.
All of these foreigners were also prohibited to enter Lithuania.
The Migration Department is kindly reminding that the obligation to fill out a special questionnaire, introduced at the end of 2022, applies to all citizens of Russia and Belarus over the age of 18 when they submit applications for the issuance or replacement of documents granting the right to reside in Lithuania or wish to obtain a new temporary residence permit.
Foreigners completing the questionnaire must provide information about their education, previous jobs, service in the armed forces, contacts with NATO and state institutions of countries outside the European Union, and also state their views on Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
To make the final decision, the Migration Department, which evaluates the applications of Russian and Belarusian citizens and the information received, always cooperates and consults with three state institutions – the State Security Department, the State Border Guard Service and the police. If needed, other departments and institutions may be consulted as well.
Last updated: 18-02-2025
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