Lithuania Considers Limiting Return Travel for Belarusian Residents

Lithuania is currently discussing a new policy that may affect thousands of Belarusian nationals living in the country. Lawmakers are proposing limits on frequent return trips to Belarus for those holding residence permits (residence cards) in Lithuania.

While officially framed as a migration management measure, experts caution that the plan could raise practical challenges and affect residents with family ties or business obligations.

What’s Being Proposed?

According to Schengen News, Lithuanian parliament is considering ending residence permits for Belarusian migrants who travel too often back to their home country.

The proposal aims to reduce the volume of repeat border crossings and improve the government's ability to monitor migration flows.

However, data from the State Border Guard Service shows that the number of Belarusian crossings has declined steadily in recent years. In February 2025, the Eastern Land Border, including the Lithuanian-Belarusian section, recorded 962 crossings, with a 6% increase over the previous month (Frontex data). The most common nationalities included Ukrainians, Russians, Sudanese, and Belarusians.

Concerns About Unintended Impact

Lithuanian migration experts, including analyst Vytis Jurkonis, warn that many Belarusian residents have valid family obligations, employment contracts, or business reasons to travel.

“Some people need to visit sick parents or return for essential business. A blanket rule would not reflect these realities,” Jurkonis told LRT.

He also emphasized that security concerns apply to all nationalities, not just Belarusians.

Ministry of Interior Weighs In

Lithuania’s Ministry of Interior has voiced concern about the proposal, noting that it could create extra administrative burdens.

Monitoring personal travel and assessing whether each trip violates residency requirements could require additional personnel and funding.

The ministry suggested that any rules must be balanced and proportionate, not automatic or politically reactive.

Broader Context

Lithuania has accepted a large number of Belarusian professionals, students, and families over the past several years. These residents contribute to key economic sectors, including IT, logistics, and education.

If the proposal moves forward, it may impact both personal mobility and the labor market.

As of April 2025, no final decision has been made, and discussions in the Lithuanian parliament continue.