Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lithuanian government has announced a nationwide quarantine which came into effect on March 16. The measures include closing borders, educational institutions, client-servicing businesses, bars, restaurants and shops, excluding groceries and pharmacies.

Information in multiple languages

For foreign nationals, the latest information in English about the quarantine and overall situation is available through the websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Health. The government-launched website for official information on COVID-19 and 24/7 hotline are also available in English.

The Vilnius municipality has launched a website available in English, Russian and Polish to inform on new restrictions, as well as to provide helpful tips like activities to do at home during the quarantine. The NGOs HUMAN AID and SocialTalk have stepped up to provide key information in English, Russian, Arabic and Dali for migrants and ethnic minorities living in Lithuania.

Community involvement

There are also social initiatives to support migrants in Lithuania during the outbreak. An online Lithuanian doctor volunteer network MEDo provides health-related consultations that are available in English, Swedish and Norwegian. Translators are offering free services to promote the dissemination of information.

HUMAN AID has launched Stream, a mutual assistance and online volunteering platform for refugees and asylum seekers living in Lithuania, which enhances community involvement remotely during the time of quarantine. The initiative organises online seminars, workshops, training and counselling on a wide range of topics and content in different languages.

Border closures and residence permits

The closure of national borders prohibits foreign nationals from entering Lithuania, with limited exceptions, unless they have a valid long-term residence permit. The transit of people returning to their home country through Lithuania will be allowed until April 13. Lithuanian citizens are not allowed to leave either, unless they reside or work in another country. There are no restrictions for residents of other countries to leave, but as the crossing of EU borders is restricted, the return to own countries is advised to be arranged through consulates.

Deportations are suspended. Foreigners whose period of legal residence in Lithuania expired during the quarantine and who were unable to depart from Lithuania in due time through no fault of their own will not be subject to return decisions or administrative liability for illegal stay. Meanwhile, the Migration Department continues to provide services, except citizenship applications, and non-urgent matters are being postponed. Consultations are provided via phone or online.

Labour market

In order to bounce back from the coronavirus-induced economic crisis, the Lithuanian government has put together a €2 billion financial assistance package. Those who lost their job or income source during during the virus outbreak can ask for a temporary deferral of utility payments. Members of Parliament approved subsidies to employers to preserve jobs during the quarantine downtime. The government will cover 60 to 90 per cent of the payroll of affected businesses.

Human rights

Considering the tensions over the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the Seimas Ombudsman Augustinas Normantas recalls that human rights are of the highest value and that their protection must remain a state priority, even in an emergency.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The links above are shared on this website solely to provide an example of outreach to migrant or minority communities during this health emergency. Please speak to a medical professional if you need health-related advice.