Another European country has decided to strengthen the requirements for Ukrainian refugees looking for work. This time, Lithuania is implementing new rules that limit opportunities for Ukrainians without temporary protection, forcing them to obtain a residence permit before they can get a job. These measures are part of a pan-European trend to strengthen control over migration flows, which can significantly affect Ukrainians who fled the war and are looking for a new life in the countries of the European Union.
In lrt.lt reported, that from September 1, 2024, new rules regarding the employment of Ukrainian refugees who do not have temporary protection will enter into force in Lithuania. This decision was the result of a decree signed by the Minister of the Interior of Lithuania, Agne Bilotaite, and means the end of certain benefits that allowed Ukrainians to work without the mandatory obtaining of a residence permit.
Until now, foreigners who could not return to Ukraine and did not have the right to temporary protection were exempted from the obligation to obtain a work permit if they met certain conditions.
Such conditions were met:
- foreigners who use the visa-free regime or have a valid Schengen visa;
- foreigners who have a national visa issued due to unforeseen circumstances;
- foreigners who applied for a residence permit on the basis of work, highly qualified employment or for humanitarian reasons”, the message says.
That is, previously, for Ukrainians who could not return to their homeland due to the war and did not have temporary protection, simplified employment conditions applied. They could work legally if they had a visa-free regime or a valid Schengen visa, a national visa issued due to unforeseen circumstances, or applied for a residence permit on certain grounds, such as work or humanitarian reasons.
However, starting in September, these benefits will no longer be available. Ukrainians who do not have temporary protection, but remain in Lithuania due to military operations, will be able to work only after obtaining a temporary residence permit. This means that even after applying for a permit, they will not be able to work until this document is issued.
It is worth noting that these changes will not affect those Ukrainian refugees who already enjoy temporary protection introduced by the European Union. A simplified procedure continues for them: they can get a job immediately after submitting an application for temporary residence on the basis of this protection. Moreover, if such a protected refugee plans to change status based on work, he does not need to obtain additional decisions from the Employment Service if he is employed by the same employer.
Thus, Lithuania is strengthening the requirements for the employment of Ukrainian refugees, seeking to better control the process of integration and provision of workers from abroad. These changes may also affect the labor market situation in the country, as they limit opportunities for those who previously could benefit from simplified conditions for employment.
