The Law improves the mechanism for examination of asylum applications; provides for more stringent measures in cases of abuse of the asylum procedure; more thoroughly regulates the status of aliens who cannot leave on humanitarian grounds; allows individuals who have been granted a temporary residence permit pursuant to Article 40(1)(8) of the Law access to the labour market; amends and specifies, due to the changes in the asylum system, provisions on determination of the legal status of unaccompanied minors who are not asylum seekers; and regulates the mechanism for resettlement/relocation of aliens in the Republic of Lithuania.
Furthermore, the Law specifies some existing provisions implementing European Union law and regulates the amounts and specific cases of support for integration for aliens who have been granted asylum in Lithuania.
The Law also lays down that asylum seekers may be placed not only in the Foreigners Registration Centre, but also in other accommodation places in accordance with the procedure established by the Government or its authorised institution.
Moreover, to satisfy the special needs of vulnerable persons and their family members, the Migration Department may decide to provide them with accommodation administered by NGOs supporting asylum seekers. The Department may also decide that vulnerable persons may stay, where possible, with a close adult relative or representative legally residing in Lithuania.
Decisions on resettlement/relocation of aliens in the Republic of Lithuania are taken by the Government. Resettlement/relocation of aliens is carried out in cooperation with other Member States of the European Union, third countries, EU institutions or international organisations.
The procedure for resettlement/relocation and issuing of travel documents is established by the Minister of the Interior. Besides, the Minister lays down the conditions and arrangements for temporary accommodation of aliens in the Foreigners Registration Centre.
In accordance with the Law, the Migration Department takes a decision on the resettlement/relocation of each alien selected for resettlement/relocation in Lithuania. In addition, the Department may recognise refugee status granted to the alien by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
According to the procedure laid down by the Minister of Social Security and Labour and the Minister of the Interior, an asylum seeker has the right, in the Republic of Lithuania, to receive a monthly allowance amounting to 10 percent of the state supported income.
