Lithuania should review its migration policy in a way that will put an end to the situation where third-country nationals arriving in the country forge documents and abuse migration procedures. This was reported by LRT, which quotes the new head of the Lithuanian Migration Department, Indra Gaspere.
Gaspere noted that this is not about reducing migration, but about modernizing and streamlining migration policy as such — in order to improve control over the migration process.
"The position of the Migration Department has not yet been formulated, but as I understand it, including as a former employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), the position of the MIA is to strengthen migration policy. But strengthening only so that there is no abuse of migration procedures," — she said.
According to Gaspere, there are many ways to manipulate and abuse the migration process. For example, people come to Lithuania supposedly to study, but actually work there. Another scheme is the use of sham marriages.
At the same time, the new head of the department added that she seeks greater integration of migrants into Lithuanian society. Therefore, migrants should be forced to learn the Lithuanian language and receive appropriate certificates. At least, everyone who works in the service sector should receive a level A1 certificate - this is, at least, a sign of respect for the host country.
"So that we cooperate with foreign communities and see a common interest - that integration into our society meets their interests as well. We would all benefit from this. Therefore, I see integration and learning the Lithuanian language as a very positive change," — she summed up.
Recall that migration policies are currently being tightened in many Western countries.
Denmark plans to deport foreigners convicted of serious crimes, regardless of their level of integration. The EU has agreed on stricter rules for asylum and the return of migrants, one of the biggest migration reforms in recent years. Germany is tightening migration controls, simplifying deportations and tightening citizenship requirements.
The most radical changes are taking place in the US: visa requirements have been tightened (denials due to health conditions or the risk of social costs), the issuance of green cards is being limited, and payments to migrants for voluntary departure are planned. At the same time, the authorities are expanding the network of detention centers, intensifying migration raids, and accelerating deportations.
