During the first six months of 2023, Lithuania experienced a rise of over 6,000 in its foreign resident population, boosting the total to 195,550, as per the Migration Department’s data. Although the number of Ukrainian residents dropped around 10,000, they still represent the biggest foreign group with 84,734 individuals. The Belarusian populace experienced a noteworthy increase, climbing from 48,804 to 58,347, and is the second most prominent group after Ukrainians. Migration Department’s head, Evelina Gudzinskaitė, shared that due to the conflict with Ukraine, Belarusians face no barriers in acquiring Lithuanian residency. The Russian residents witnessed a slight growth, from 15,706 to 16,193, notwithstanding immigration curbs. Certain individuals possibly arrived before the regulations were implemented or leveraged visas issued beforehand. As of July 1, foreigners represent 6.83% of Lithuania’s total populace, an increase from January’s 6.67%.
Source: lrt.lt
