"Lithuania is open to everyone. However, it will not be a hideout to criminals trying to escape justice. Every year, several thousands of foreigners are sent out from Lithuania, the attempts to cross the country's border illegally have been on the increase as well. This shows that we do not have any actual threat prevention means and residence permits are being issued irresponsibly in Lithuania. People of Lithuania must feel safe in their own country and be sure that the state will prevent any dangerous individuals from settling in our country," the president said.
The proposed amendments aim at ensuring that residence permits are granted only after verification if an applicant could pose any danger to national security.
Currently, the institutions responsible for state and public security are not obliged to provide the Migration Department with information on residence applicants.
