The Seimas Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has approved a draft amendment to the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens, which proposes introducing a unified residence and work permit system for third-country nationals. The amendments aim to simplify administrative procedures and reduce the bureaucratic burden.
The Unified Permit Model
Under the proposed model, nationals of third countries (non-EU) could obtain a single document granting the right to both reside and work in Lithuania. Currently, in many cases, two separate permits are required, which slows down the employment process and creates an additional burden for both employers and employees.
Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking
The draft law also strengthens the protection of victims of human trafficking. It seeks to clearly define their rights and the possibility of obtaining a residence permit regardless of cooperation with law enforcement authorities.
Precautionary Measures and Departure
The draft also addresses a practical problem: it establishes how to handle cases where a foreigner cannot leave Lithuania due to a precautionary measure applied against them, such as a prohibition to leave the country in criminal proceedings.
What This Means for Employers
If the amendments are adopted, Lithuanian employers will be able to hire workers from third countries more quickly and easily. This is particularly important for companies experiencing labour shortages.
Planning to hire employees from non-EU countries? Contact Law&Key — we will help you understand all legal requirements.
