Vice Minister A. Ščerbaitė discussed migration issues with the United Nations representative

Alicija Ščerbaitė, the Vice Minister of the Interior, met with Annika Sandlund, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative for the Nordic and Baltic countries. During the meeting, they discussed current European Union and national migration and asylum policies, as well as the situation of Ukrainian and Belarusian citizens in Lithuania.

One of the topics discussed was the issue of document validity faced by some Ukrainians who are unable to renew their travel documents in their home country. The UNHCR representatives expressed support for Lithuania’s efforts to find practical solutions in this area.

“We understand that most of the refugees from Ukraine came to Lithuania due to the war, so our priority is to ensure the necessary assistance. We are making every effort to ensure smooth document issuance and to provide the needed support to vulnerable individuals,” said Vice Minister A. Ščerbaitė.

Another important issue discussed was the situation of Belarusian citizens in Lithuania and the issuance of humanitarian visas. The guest inquired about how Lithuania could contribute to providing humanitarian assistance to Belarusian citizens who cannot return to their home country.

The Vice Minister noted that not all Belarusian citizens in Lithuania are here for humanitarian reasons; some arrived for work purposes, so efforts will continue to find solutions to ensure proper protection for those fleeing the Belarusian regime.

The meeting also addressed the overall migration situation and the implementation of asylum procedures in Lithuania.

At the end of the meeting, both sides expressed their commitment to continue cooperating and addressing pressing migration issues, ensuring adequate support for people fleeing persecution and war.

Last updated: 25-02-2025

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