Lithuania suggests easing employment rules for foreigners: ministry

Lithuania's Ministry of Interior suggests simplifying the issuance of temporary residence permits for foreigners in order to encourage foreign business activities in the country, the ministry said on Tuesday.

"Balance of migration policy is a very important instrument, however, it is not fully employed," Saulius Skvernelis, Lithuania's minister of interior, said in a statement.

According to him, Lithuania needs qualified staff from third countries in certain professional areas, however, their employment is not flexible and competitive at the moment.

"Lithuanian employers unanimously claim that it creates a barrier for business development," Skvernelis added.

If amendments to the law on legal status of foreigners, prepared by the ministry, are adopted in the parliament, the government would prepare a list of professions which staff is needed in Lithuania.

Permissions for temporary residence would be issued in one month or in 15 days, depending on an individual case. At the moment, issuance of permits of residence for foreign workers takes from one to four months.

The ministry also suggests adopting more flexible rules for foreigners who introduce new technologies and other important innovations in Lithuania, owners of start-ups and their family members.

Their residence permits would last two years instead of usual one year period. Foreigners representing this category would be obliged to start their business activities in Lithuania in two years, or their residence permit would be revoked.

The ministry also suggests that foreigners' monthly wage, depending on certain profession, should not be less than average local pre-tax salary. According to the minister, this regulation should discourage employers from importing cheaper labor force and thus creating pressure on local salaries.

Meanwhile, local experts continue to criticize existing rules of employing foreigners in Lithuania.

Audra Sipaviciene, head of International Organization for Migration Vilnius office, notes that Lithuania is not among the most attractive place for foreigners to work or start businesses.

"Lithuania is little known in the world, its economy situation is not as good as in many other EU countries; the language is difficult," Sipaviciene was quoted as saying by local business daily Verslo Zinios.

"When complicated bureaucratic procedures come on top of this, possibilities to attract specialists decrease," she added.

According to Sipaviciene, it is necessary to propose employment conditions which are better than in other countries and extensively promote them. Endit