The Lithuanian Seimas is considering a draft law that changes the rules for issuing visas, residence permits and citizenship for Belarusians and Russians.

Two readings of the draft law have already been passed, discussion and the last vote remain.

In the initial version, the draft law provided for the suspension of the submission of documents for visas, temporary residence permits for Belarusians and Russians, with the exception of those made through the mediation of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

There are no restrictions for those who already have visas or residence permits.

Also, in the initial version, it was proposed to stop accepting documents for obtaining Lithuanian citizenship for Belarusians and Russians.

Later, some deputies proposed not to introduce restrictions on obtaining citizenship for Belarusians.

The relevant amendment has been submitted to the Seimas, and deputies will consider it.

"The law should not create problems for people who do not bear risks"

, a member of the Seimas of Lithuania

, believes that the amendments to the draft law should bring clarity.

In his opinion, this law should not create problems for people who do not pose a risk for Lithuania.

"The final vote can take place in two weeks.

Now amendments have been made that improve the situation and change the essence of some provisions.

I understand that the amendments will help.

I think it must be logical.

If there is a recommendation from the Lithuanian state, a clear purpose of a person's stay here, then he should not have any difficulties.

If there is no risk, then why do people spoil their lives?

Risks need to be analyzed more thoroughly and more precisely," says Thomas Tamilinas.

Thomas Tamilinas

He also notes that this bill is primarily aimed at the security of Lithuania, and the bill states that "this is how it happens in practice."

"There is a war going on, now the situation is serious;

every country, especially a small one, tries to reduce its risks when people migrate, when people open businesses.

Many decisions and procedures prescribed in the draft law exist even now, and this is the main part of this draft law," says the deputy.

"There are no changes in the attitude towards Belarusians"

Thomas Tamilinas positively assesses the fact that now a discussion has started around the draft law and people are engaged in it, because "in a democratic country you can discuss and change some government flaws".

He also notes that the attitude towards Belarusians in Lithuania has not changed since the beginning of the war.

"I didn't feel any changes here in relation to Belarusians.

The attitude towards the Belarusian state and the dictator has changed, which is logical.

Politicians are not engaged in any incitement of enmity, there is a conversation about how we can fight Lukashenko and Putin together and what sanctions to introduce.

Yes, sanctions hit ordinary Belarusians, ordinary Russians.

If the sanctions are massive, then they affect the citizens, it just doesn't happen otherwise," says Thomas Tamilinas.

Initially, deputies en masse supported the bill, 113 deputies voted for it, 9 abstained.

Later, a number of amendments to the bill appeared.

Secure communication

with our editors.

HERE