Meeting with Representatives of the International Organization for Migration at the Ministry of the Interior
Mantas Svečiulis, Adviser to the Minister of the Interior of Lithuania, Vladislav Kondratovič, met with Dragan Aleksoski, Deputy Director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, and Aurelija Makauskienė, Head of the IOM Vilnius Office. During the meeting, key migration-related issues were discussed, with particular focus on assistance to migrants and Ukrainian nationals who have arrived in Lithuania due to the war.
“We highly value the work of the International Organization for Migration and its strong engagement in the field of migration. The assistance provided to Ukrainians who arrived in Lithuania following the outbreak of the war is especially important,” said Mr. Svečiulis.
The meeting also addressed the possibility of more widely disseminating information about IOM activities and services available to foreigners in Lithuania. More written information could be provided at migrant accommodation facilities and institutions working with foreign nationals.
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Lithuania has received more than 102,000 Ukrainian citizens, including over 31,000 children. Currently, around 51,000 Ukrainians are residing in Lithuania under temporary protection, while more than 79,000 Ukrainian citizens live in the country overall. Ukrainians are actively participating in the labour market, and IOM’s contribution to their integration—particularly in the areas of language learning, employment, and mental health support—is essential. Lithuania’s overall support to Ukraine amounts to approximately 0.25% of GDP, while support provided by institutions of the internal affairs system totals around EUR 8.5 million.
Reviewing the migration situation, it was noted that since 2021, when Belarus launched a hybrid attack against Lithuania by using instrumentalized migration, more than 24,000 irregular entry attempts have been prevented. At present, the situation at the Lithuanian–Belarusian border is stable but remains unpredictable; therefore, Lithuania continues to strengthen the protection of its external border and remains vigilant. At the EU level, irregular migration is recognized as a national security threat, and the legal and operational measures in place remain necessary.