Ministry of Health conducts refugee and migrant health system review
Lithuania’s Ministry of Health, with WHO, IOM, and UNHCR, reviewed the country’s refugee and migrant health system to assess how national healthcare meets their needs and to identify gaps. The study found progress through expanded insurance coverage, vaccination campaigns, and strengthened reception centre services. Challenges identified include continuity of care, mental health support, cultural mediation, municipal capacity, and sustainable financing.
This review is part of a 2023–2025 EU-funded WHO and IOM project to improve healthcare access for refugees and displaced Ukrainians across ten European countries, providing recommendations to make healthcare more equitable and inclusive.
EMN migration policy report 2024
The European Migration Network (EMN) Lithuania published the 2024 Migration Policy in Lithuania report, which outlines key trends and policy changes in the country’s migration and asylum system. The publication highlights that more than 51 000 people immigrated to Lithuania in 2024 — largely from Ukraine, Belarus, Uzbekistan, India and Tajikistan — and notes that new legislation aims to improve support for people integrating into society as well as for Lithuanian citizens returning to the country.
Lithuania launches InfoDesk App to support migrants
Lithuania’s Reception and Integration Agency launched the InfoDesk App, a mobile platform providing foreigners with essential information in one place. The app guides users on residence permits, education, healthcare, employment, language courses, and cultural integration, while also delivering updates, event invitations, and service information to those in temporary accommodation. It features text-to-speech and translations in 20 languages to ensure accessibility. Funded by the EU through NextGenerationEU and implemented with the Innovation Agency, the app aims to improve timely access to information and help newcomers feel welcomed, informed, and supported, according to Director Gediminas Pocius.
Lithuania trains first sociocultural instructors to support newcomers
Lithuania’s Reception and Integration Agency has trained the country’s first sociocultural introduction course instructors. Over three days in Vilnius, 19 instructors from 14 municipalities completed a 20-hour programme and are now prepared to guide people granted asylum, temporary protection, and other arrivals across Lithuania. The standardised course helps migrants adapt to local life, understand customs, laws, values, and facilitates sociocultural inclusion. Using common methods in various municipalities, the programme aims to ensure consistent integration support. Co-financed by the EU through the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), it strengthens Lithuania’s capacity to welcome and integrate newcomers.
Lithuania expands language exams for foreigners ahead of new requirements
Lithuania’s National Agency for Education is preparing language exams for foreigners in response to new requirements for customer service workers, who must achieve at least A1 proficiency from January 2026. Six A1–A2 exams are scheduled for January, with 15 planned throughout the year. The first exams will be held 14–16 January in 58 schools nationwide, accommodating up to 800 participants simultaneously. Additional B1–B2 and C1 exams are planned for spring 2026. The assessment includes reading and writing, listening, and an interview, with successful candidates receiving certificates. Registration is available online, and the schedule may be expanded if demand increases.
