Lithuania Tightens Rules for International Students and Residents
Lithuania's parliament has approved a Bill to tighten rules for international students and residents. The changes, supported by 85 lawmakers, aim to curb abuse of student loans and streamline migration processes.
The Bill, introduced by Laurynas Bartkus, amends the Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners. It requires international residents to prove Lithuanian proficiency and pass a constitutional basics exam in certain cases. Conservative leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas argues that many students use their status primarily for work rights rather than studies.
The Migration Department has urged universities to strengthen oversight of international students, particularly from countries with rising migration movie enrolments. The Bill proposes reducing undergraduate work rights from 40 to 20 hours per week. It also seeks to establish a government-authorised list of universities allowed to admit international students.
IOM Lithuania, which advises international students and residents on migration issues, has not commented on the changes. However, significant waiting times for residence permits have led to students arriving late for classes or cancelling their studies. As of September 2025, Lithuanian authorities have cancelled 780 residence permits for international students who had 'abandoned their studies'.
The approved Bill signals a shift in Lithuania's migration policy, aiming to balance the needs of international students with the country's labour market and integration goals. The changes will affect international residents and students, requiring them to meet new criteria and adhere to stricter rules.
Read also:
- Inherent Skills Know No Bounds, Yet Access to Employment Remains Unequal: Suggestions for a More Equitable Job Market of the Future
- Mark Your Calendars for Prevention and Play: A Free Family Safety Event
- Backwell Project Aims to Boost Indonesia Literacy in Australia
- Adarsh Kumar, 18, Wins Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2025
