Lithuania's Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas has announced his intention to make changes to the country's migration policy here.
He emphasized that some individuals from Central Asian countries tend to radicalize, posing a security threat. Consequently, the Lithuanian government is attempting to attract skilled workers from culturally closer countries.
This statement comes after the announcement made by Darius Jauniškis, the head of the State Security Department (SSD), in October 2024, noting that since 2021, the number of migrants from Central Asia has increased fourteenfold, which heightens the risk of radicalization. Jauniškis also revealed that the SSD had identified four individuals related to terrorism in 2023 and 2024, and they were banned from entering the country.
According to migration data in Lithuania, as of October 1, 2024, there are 10.6 thousand Uzbekistanis and 7.2 thousand Tajikistanis living in the country. These numbers have significantly increased compared to 2022. The SSD associates this growth with the risk of radicalization.
Paluckas emphasized that Lithuania plans to review its visa issuance and document verification centers and strengthen cooperation with culturally closer countries. This is aimed at ensuring the country's security and reducing the risk of radicalization.
This decision signifies significant changes in Lithuania's migration policy and demonstrates the country's serious approach to ensuring security.
Abdulloh Sayyid
