New migrant integration programmes
The Reception and Integration Agency in Lithuania presented 2 new programmes supporting the integration of migrants in Lithuania: a sociocultural training programme and a mental health programme. The former familiarises newcomers with Lithuanian legislation, history and societal norms, while the latter sets a standard for the provision of early psychological support to newcomers.
Developed primarily to address the integration needs of people displaced from Ukraine, the programmes can be adapted to meet the needs of migrants from other countries. All municipalities will be able to access and implement both programmes, ensuring consistent, high-quality support across Lithuania. The Reception and Integration Agency will serve as a central support point for municipalities and NGOs implementing the programmes, offering training, consultation, and facilitation of cooperation between actors.
The Ministry of Social Security and Labour committed €12 million of EU funds to support the implementation of these two programmes and other integration services until 2028.
Strengthening cooperation to improve reception and integration
The Reception and Integration Agency and the State Border Guard Service signed a cooperation agreement aiming to enhance collaboration between the 2 institutions and their regional divisions, ensuring better protection of foreigners’ rights in legal status determination and reception processes.
Under the agreement, the Reception and Integration Agency commits to providing translation services and legal assistance to migrants, supplying them with food, ensuring social and medical services, coordinating their participation in court proceedings, and maintaining infrastructure and transport facilities. Meanwhile, the State Border Guard Service will assess and communicate the need for food packages, legal services and translations, inform the agency about infrastructure issues, ensure the safety of the agency staff in detention facilities, and be responsible for maintaining public order and responding to extraordinary events when necessary.
Regional Refugee Response Plan announced
UNHCR and its partners announced the 2025 Regional Refugee Response Plan for people displaced from Ukraine, aiming to raise $10.9 million (approximately €9.6 million) to support 55 000 refugees in Lithuania. This funding is part of a broader international appeal for USD 1.2 billion (approximately 1.1 million EUR), intended to assist 2.2 million people displaced from Ukraine across 11 host countries.
A UNHCR study shows that most people displaced from Ukraine in Lithuania feel safe and integrated: 53% of working-age Ukrainians have official employment, 83% of children attend school, and 78% live in private housing. High housing costs and public attitudes have presented challenges for some. The funds from the response plan will support a variety of integration initiatives, from language and job skills training to psychosocial assistance, mentorship, and efforts to strengthen social cohesion.
IOM to provide additional assistance to people newly arrived from Ukraine
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Lithuania announced that it will provide additional humanitarian assistance to refugees from Ukraine who have arrived in the country since 1 January 2025. This assistance will be granted to both Ukrainian citizens and third-country nationals (TCNs) who meet specific eligibility criteria, who entered Lithuania directly from Ukraine, and who are registered with the national migration department.
Eligible individuals must meet certain criteria demonstrating vulnerability, such as being a single parent or guardian with children under 18, a family with 3 or more children, or a family with a child who has a disability or serious health condition. Assistance is also available for pregnant women, people aged 60 and above, and individuals (and their legal guardians) with disabilities or serious medical conditions.
Employment and entrepreneurship among people displaced from Ukraine
A recent IOM study reveals that approximately 62% of those displaced from Ukraine in Lithuania were employed at the start of 2024. This employment rate is notably higher than in many other countries hosting Ukrainians, likely due to the accessibility of Russian for everyday communication and the robust integration support provided by both the state and civil society.
Those displaced from Ukraine are becoming an increasingly vital part of Lithuania’s economy. During the first 7 months of 2024, their contributions to the national budget exceeded €65 million – a 25% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth reflects the integration of this group into Lithuanian society and its role in strengthening the country’s economy.
Elsewhere, IOM also announced the allocation of €75 000 in grants to support entrepreneurship among people displaced from Ukraine. Of nearly 100 applicants, 26 people were selected. Funded by the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), these grants aim to promote successful integration, fostering both economic independence and community cohesion.
New website raises awareness of human trafficking
IOM also launched a new website – www.prekybazmonemis.lt – designed to educate the public about human trafficking. The site provides information on the various forms human trafficking can take and advice for recognising and addressing it.
According to IOM, migrants – including Lithuanian citizens and TCNs – are particularly at risk of becoming victims of human trafficking. In recent years, migrants from countries in the Eastern Bloc residing in Lithuania have increasingly fallen victim to traffickers who exploit their emotional and psychological vulnerabilities, often stemming from experiences of war or difficult economic conditions.
