MIGRATION DEPARTMENT UNDER THE MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA MIGRATION YEARBOOK 2007

Transcription

1 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K MIGRATION DEPARTMENT UNDER THE MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA MIGRATION YEARBOOK 2007 Vilnius

2 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T FOREWORD The World is divided into countries, regions, cities, yards The man puts walls or fences around them, afterwards destroys them, closes the gates or opens them widely. Today migration phenomena in Lithuania become of special relevance and acquire new aspects. Talks are heard on still severe emigration trend acquiring a new direction, on immigration benefits and the caused problems, and sometimes on unmeasured dangers. Discussions are held on what is more important to retrieve a Lithuanian looking for a better life abroad, or to invite a neighbour to occupy his/her working place. Methods are discussed on how to properly treat an alien who has come to the country only for employment or is willing to stay there for a longer period of time. We became a fullright member of the Schengen area. We acquired the right to freely move within its territory, although we also undertook a big responsibility we are obliged to consider the interests of all Schengen countries along with ours, public order and security. It seems that theme of migration today is of interest to nearly everyone starting with a politician and ending with a pupil. Migration Department, one of the institutions governing state migration processes, is directly engaged in the scope and relevance of these processes. This Migration Yearbook 2007 includes the main indicators related to personal identity and nationality documents, citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania, immigration, visas, asylum procedure. We hereby express our acknowledgement to everybody having supported the compilation of the Yearbook: the Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania, the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, the Department under Statistics of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, other institutions under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania: the State Border Guard Service including the Foreigners Registration Centre, the Police Department and migration units of public police offices, the Personalization of Identity Documents Centre, the Residents Registry Service. Director Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior Almantas Gavėnas 2

3 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K CONTENTS 1. General provisions The main events of 2007 in the areas of free movement of persons, visas, migration, asylum, citizenship, issue of personal and travel documents and declaration of residence Structure of management of migration processes in the Republic of Lithuania Structure of the Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania Main legal acts of the Republic of Lithuania regulating management of migration processes Number of aliens residing in the Republic of Lithuania as of the beginning of 2008 (thous.) Number of aliens residing in the Republic of Lithuania as of the beginning of 2008, by nationality Number of aliens residing in the Republic of Lithuania according to the municipalities as of the beginning of Personal Identity cards and Travel documents of the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania Issue of Personal Identity cards to the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania Issue of a Personal Identity card to a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania. Flow chart Issue of passports of the Republic of Lithuania to the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania Issue of a passport of the Republic of Lithuania to a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania residing in the Republic of Lithuania. Flow chart Issue of a passport of the Republic of Lithuania to a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania residing in a foreign state. Flow chart Migration of the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens Number of the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens who arrived to reside in the Republic of Lithuania in 2007, by states Number of persons who arrived to reside in the Republic of Lithuania in 2007, by nationality Declaration of residence of the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens who arrived to reside in the Republic of Lithuania. Flow chart Number of citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens who departed for residence to foreign states in 2007, by states Number of persons who departed for residence to foreign states in 2007, by nationality Declaration of residence of citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens departing for residence abroad. Flow chart Provision of data on declaration of residence of the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens having departed from Lithuania through Diplomatic Missions or Consular Offices to foreign states. Flow chart Calculation of the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens with no residence. Flow chart Visas Number of decisions regarding applications of aliens to issue a visa in 2007, by place of submission Number of visas of the Republic of Lithuania issued to aliens, by type Issue of a visa to an alien. Flow chart

4 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 4.4. Number of decisions on extension of the period of stay in the Republic of Lithuania to aliens in possession of a visa, by place of decisiontaking Number of decisions on extension of the period of stay of aliens in the Republic of Lithuania in possession of a visa, by type Extension of the period of stay in the Republic of Lithuania in possession of a visa. Flow chart List of countries whose citizens do not require visas to enter the Republic of Lithuania List of countries whose citizens holding diplomatic or service passports may enter the Republic of Lithuania without visas List of countries to which Lithuanian citizens are exempted from visa requirements List of countries which may be entered by the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania holding diplomatic or service passports without visas Facilitated Transit for the citizens of the Russian Federation Decisions regarding issuance of Facilitated Transit / Facilitated Railway Transit documents to the citizens of the Russian Federation Issue of Facilitated Transit documents to the citizens of the Russian Federation. Flow chart Issue of Facilitated Railway Transit documents (FRTD) to the citizens of the Russian Federation. Flow chart Residence permits of citizens of the European Community Member State Number of applications of citizens of EU/EFTA Member States for issue/extension of the residence permit of a citizen of an EC Member State in 2007, by nationality Number of applications of family members of a citizen of an EU / EFTA Member State who are citizens of third countries for issue / extension of an EC residence permit in 2007, by nationality Number of decisions for issue/extension of an EC residence permit in 2007, by nationality Number of decisions for issue / extension of an EC residence permit to family members of a citizen of an EU / EFTA Member State who are citizens of third countries in 2007, by nationality Number of decisions for issue/extension of an EC residence permit in 2007, by grounds of arrival Number of EC residence permits issued in 2007, by nationality Number of EC residence permits issued to family members of a citizen of an EU / EFTA Member State who are citizens of third countries in 2007, by nationality Number of EC residence permits issued in 2007, by grounds of arrival Issue/extension of an EC residence permit. Flow chart Number of applications of citizens of an EU / EFTA Member State for issue of an EC permanent residence permit in 2007, by nationality Number of decisions on issue of certificate confirming the right of an EU / EFTA Member State national to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania in 2007, by nationality Issue of certificate confirming the right of an EU / EFTA Member State national to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania. Flow chart Number of applications of family members of citizens of an EU / EFTA Member State for issue of an EC permanent residence permit in 2007, by nationality Number of decisions for issue / extension of permanent residence permits in the Republic of Lithuania for family members of citizens of an EU / EFTA Member State in 2007, by nationality Issue of a permanent residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania to a family member of an EU Member State national. Flow chart

5 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Extension of a permanent residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania for a family member of an EU Member State national. Flow chart Temporary residence permits in the Republic of Lithuania Number of applications of aliens for the issue/replacement of a temporary residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania, by nationality Number of decisions on issue/replacement of a temporary residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania for aliens in 2007, by grounds for arrival Number of temporary residence permits in the Republic of Lithuania issued to aliens in 2007, by nationality Number of temporary residence permits in the Republic of Lithuania issued / replaced to aliens in 2007, by grounds for arrival Issue of a temporary residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania to an alien. Flow chart Replacement of a temporary residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania for an alien. Flow chart Permits of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community Number of applications of aliens for issue of a permit of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community in 2007, by nationality Number of decisions on issue of a permit of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community in 2007, by nationality Number of permits of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community issued to aliens in 2007, by grounds Number of aliens who have received permits of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community, by nationality Number of replaced permits of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community for aliens, by nationality Issue of a permit of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community to an alien. Flow chart Replacement of a permit of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community to an alien. Flow chart Travel documents of the Republic of Lithuania issued to aliens Number of Travel documents issued and extended to stateless persons Issue, replacement and extension of a period of validity of Travel documents of stateless persons for stateless persons residing in the Republic of Lithuania. Flow chart Extension of a period of validity of Travel documents of stateless persons for stateless persons staying abroad. Flow chart Number of Travel documents issued, replaced and extended for refugees Issue, replacement and extension of a period of validity of a Refugee s travel document. Flow chart Number of aliens passports issued to aliens Number of aliens passports issued to aliens, by nationality Issue, replacement and extension of a period of validity of an alien s passport. Flow chart

6 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 10. Citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania Number of aliens to whom Lithuanian citizenship has been granted, by former nationality Granting of Lithuanian citizenship to an alien. Flow chart Number of persons who have lost Lithuanian citizenship, by reasons Loss of Lithuanian citizenship upon acquisition of citizenship of another state. Flow chart Loss of Lithuanian citizenship when a person is in military service or serves in the public service of another state without authorization of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. Flow chart Renouncing citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania. Flow chart Passed decisions on retention of the right of aliens to citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania Issue of certificates for retention of the right to citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania to aliens Asylum in the Republic of Lithuania Number of aliens applications for asylum in the Republic of Lithuania, by nationality Number of aliens applications for asylum in the Republic of Lithuania and of decisions taken in Granting asylum to aliens in the Republic of Lithuania Granting asylum in the Republic of Lithuania. Flow chart Number of requests for taking over of examination of an asylum application made by the Republic of Lithuania to other EU Member State responsible for examining the application lodged by an alien, Number of requests for taking over of examination of an asylum application made by other EU Member States to the Republic of Lithuania responsible for examining the application lodged by an alien, Number of aliens granted the refugee status in the Republic of Lithuania, by nationality Number of aliens to whom subsidiary protection has been granted in the Republic of Lithuania, by nationality Number of unaccompanied minors asylum seekers, by nationality and gender Data on the procedure for granting asylum in the Republic of Lithuania Aliens control Number of aliens who were prohibited to enter the territory of the Republic of Lithuania, by nationality Number of aliens who were prohibited to enter the territory of the Republic of Lithuania, by grounds indicated in the Schengen Borders Code, Number of aliens who were detained for illegal entry to and (or) illegal stay in the territory of the Republic of Lithuania or subject to Alternative Detention Measure in 2007, by country of origin Number of aliens who were detained for more than 48 hours for illegal entry to and (or) stay in the territory of the Republic of Lithuania, by country of origin Number of aliens accommodated in the Alien s Registration Centre, by nationality Number of aliens in respect of whom Administrative Offence Protocols were drawn up under Article 206 of the Code on Administrative Offences (violation of the procedure of aliens entry / stay in / passing in transit through / exit from the Republic of Lithuania), by nationality Number of aliens with respect to whom Administrative Offence Protocols have been drawn up on the basis of administrative offences provided in the Code on Administrative Offences (CAC), by offences Number of aliens obliged to depart from the Republic of Lithuania, by nationality Number of aliens expelled from the Republic of Lithuania, by nationality

7 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Participation in Court sessions and meetings of the Supreme Commission on Administrative disputes Data on participation in Court sessions and meetings of the Supreme Commission on Administrative disputes within the competence of the Migration Department in 2007, by nationality of persons that have lodged complaints (applications) Data on participation in Court sessions and meeting of the Supreme Commission on Administrative disputes within the competence of the Migration Department in 2007, by content of complaints (applications) Data on representation in Court sessions and meeting of the Supreme Commission on Administrative disputes within the competence of the Migration Department in 2007, by content of complaints (applications) Consular fee, State duty and fines Collection of Consular fee for the issue of visas and other documents (thous. LTL) Collection of State duty (thous. LTL) Fines for Administrative offences in accordance with Articles of the Administrative Offences Code (LTL)

8 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 1. General provisions 1.1. The main events of 2007 in the areas of free movement of persons, visas, migration, asylum, citizenship, issue of personal and travel documents and declaration of residence General management matters of migration processes On 12 January, a position for solving the matters of the control of migration process and activities of migration services was established at the Public Police Board of the Police Department under the Ministry of the Interior. On 20 April, a working group for the preparation of the Lithuanian position on the European Union migration policy was founded by the Ordinance of the Prime Minister. The position of the Republic of Lithuania was approved on 19 September. On 25 April, the Economic Migration Regulation Strategy and its Plan for Implementation Measures for were approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. On 18 June, the Model Regulations on the Sections, Subsections, Groups and Passport Sections of Public Police Migration Service of Territorial Police Institutions were approved by the Order of Police Commissioner General of the Republic of Lithuania. On 14 August, the Commission for Economic Migration Affairs was established and its regulations were approved by the Regulation of the Republic of Lithuania. On 18 January, the Migration Policy Department, the basic objectives of which are to participate in the organization of the state migration regulation, coordinate the implementation of migration policy, participate in the preparation and implementation of different projects and programmes related to the implementation of migration policy, was established at the Ministry of the Interior. On 31 January, the Illegal Migration Prevention and Control Board and its territorial divisions, responsible for the performance of prevention of illegal migration in all state territories, were created at the State Boarder Guard Service under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania. On 20 November, the Plan for Economic Migration Researches was approved by the Order of the Minister of Social Security and Labour. On 21 November, the Procedure for the Recognition of Travel Documents Entitling the Aliens to Enter the Republic of Lithuania and the list of such documents were approved by the Order of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the Interior. Preaccession to the Schengen Agreement On 29 January, the Programme of Lithuania s Accession to the Schengen Information System SIS was approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. On 30 January, the Agreement on Visafree Travel Procedure, concluded between the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, the Government of the Republic of Estonia and the Government of the Republic of Latvia that did not meet the regulations of the Schengen Agreement was denounced by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. On 18 September, the Regulations of the National Schengen Information System of Lithuania were approved by the Order of the Minister of the Interior. During the preaccession period to the Schengen Agreement, the National Schengen and Visa Information Systems that the Lithuanian institutions started to use on 21 December were created. Before the membership in the Schengen Agreement, VISION system for consultations on the issuance of the Schengen visas, which was installed in the Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior as a central institution and other institutions related to the issuance of visas, was created. On 21 December, the Republic of Lithuania became a member of the Schengen Agreement. The control over the movement of persons through land frontiers with the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Poland was relinquished. The control over the movement of persons through the state border control points at the airports was relinquished on 30 March February 2008, the Seimas of the Republic o Lithuania adopted the Law Amending the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens, the provisions of which are related to the obligations of the membership in the Schengen Agreement. The provisions of the considered law came into force on 23 February Free movement of persons 26 October, the description of the procedure for issuing the Certificate approving the right of citizens of a Member State of the European Union to permanent pesidence in the Republic of Lithuania and the description of the procedure for issuing, renewing and revoking of the residence permit for a family member of a Member State of the European Union for family members of a Members State of the European Union that are not citizens of a Member 8

9 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K State of the European Union were approved by the Order of the Minister of the Interior. Visas On 13 March, the Regulations for Submission of the Documents for a Visa, Issue of a Visa, and Issue of a Visa at the Border Control Points, Extension of the Stay Period in the Republic of Lithuania with a Visa, Revoking of a Visa, Accreditation of Travel Organizers and Travel Agencies, amending the provisions for the issue of shortterm multipleentry visas and adapting the provisions for the issue of visas for the family members of the citizen of a Member State of the European Union, were amended by the Order of the Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. On 19 November, the Regulations for Submission of the Documents for a Visa, Issue of a Visa, and Issue of a Visa at the Border Control Points, Extension of the Stay in the Republic of Lithuania with a Visa, Revoking of a Visa, Accreditation of Travel Organizers and Travel Agencies, amending the provisions for the issue of shortterm multipleentry visas and determining the cases when a foreigner with a visa can study, learn, serve apprenticeship, participate in professional development courses and professional training, work and engage in other legal activities, for which he/she would receive income and which do not require that a foreigner would have a work permit, in case the stay period of a foreigner in the Republic of Lithuania according to the purpose of the visit does not exceed 90 days within half a year, were amended by the Order of the Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. On 19 December, the supplements and amendments to the Temporary Agreement on the Travels of the Citizens of Both Countries, concluded between the Government of the Republic of Lithuania and the Government of the Republic of Belarus and related to Lithuania s membership in the Schengen Agreement since 21 of December, were approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. Since the date of membership in the Schengen Agreement, a fee for the issue of a common Schengen visa increased up to 60 Euros, whereas a fee for the issue of a visa for the third countries, with which the European Union agreements on the facilitation of visa regime came into force, increased up to 35 Euros. In 2007, the visa regime for the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania was abolished by Belize, Swaziland, and Trinidad and Tobago. A visa regime was introduced for the citizens of Bolivia that enter Lithuania. Residence permits On 14 June, the Regulations on the Issue of the Permits for Permanent Residence in the Republic of Lithuania and Evaluation of Entering into Fictitious Marriage, adapting the procedure for determining a fictitious marriage and establishing the regulations for the evaluation of a fictitious registered partnership and fictitious adoption, were amended by the Order of the Minister of the Interior. On 28 June, the Regulations on the Issue of the Permits for Temporary Residence in the Republic of Lithuania to Aliens and Evaluation of Entering into Fictitious Marriage, adapting the procedure for determining a fictitious marriage, establishing the regulations for the evaluation of a fictitious registered partnership and fictitious adoption and setting a list of the documents certifying that a foreigner has reasonable prospects of obtaining the right of permanent residence in the Republic of Lithuania, were amended by the Order of the Minister of the Interior. On 28 September, the Conditions and Procedure for the Issue of Work Permits to Aliens, establishing a more rapid procedure for the issue of work permits to highly qualified specialists, were amended by the Order of the Minister of Social Security and Labour. Asylum In January, according to the Project of Support to Malta, 6 asylum seekers from Malta were transferred to the Republic of Lithuania and they were granted asylum. In February, the implementation of the Translation Fund Project, cofinanced by the ARGO Programme, was initiated. The considered project aimed at ensuring of the provision of translation services during the asylum procedure, using video conferencing equipment. On 4 May, the Regulations on the Examination, Decision Making and Procedure for Enforcement of the Applications of Aliens for Asylum, related to the transposition of the European Union legal acts in the area of asylum to national law, were amended by the Order of the Minister of the Interior. Last year, participation in the European Asylum Law Module of the European Asylum Training Programme intended for the Directors General of Migration Services took place. At present, the participation in the Module of Questionnaire Technique takes place. Control of aliens On 30 March, the provisions of the Regulations on Decision Making about the Obligation of Aliens to Leave, Deportation, Repatriation and Traffic in Transit Through the Territory of Republic of Lithuania and Enforcement of Such Decisions, establishing the control mechanism of the foreigners bound to leave Republic of Lithuania, were partially amended by the Order of the Minister of the Interior. On 10 October, the Temporary Conditions and Procedure for the Accommodation of Aliens at the Aliens Regis 9

10 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T tration Centre were approved by the Order of the Minister of the Interior. On 5 December, the Regulations on the Studies of the Citizens of Foreign Countries or the Persons Without Citizenship in the Lithuanian Higher Education Establishments were amended by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. Citizenship On 19 January, the Commission for Citizenship Affairs was founded and the Regulations on the Examination of Citizenship Affairs in the Commission for Citizenship Affairs were approved by the Decree of the President of the Republic. In March, the working group founded by the Ordinance of the Prime Minister submitted proposals to the Government of the Republic of Lithuania for the legal enforcement of the concept of Lithuanian citizenship in the current conditions of the Lithuanian nationhood development. On 26 September, the Procedure for the examination of the applications for doing military service in other country or working in civil service of other country was established by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. On 17 October, the working group, responsible for preparing legal act drafts on the regulation of citizenship matters upon the evaluation on the decision on citizenship made by the Constitutional Court before 17 of October, was established under the Resolution of the Board of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania. Personal Identification and travel documents of the Republic of Lithuania On 25 April, the Procedure for Temporary Departure of a Child to Foreign Countries was simplified by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. From now on it is required that a written consent for a child to leave alone or with a person accompanying him/her, drawn up by at least one parent of fosterparent (guardian), would be submitted to the officers of the border control point of the Republic of Lithuania. On 28 November, in pursuance of simplifying the procedures for the issue and exchange of identity cards, provisions of the procedure for issuing and exchanging the considered document were amended by the Order of the Minister of Interior. On 5 December, in pursuance of simplifying the procedures for the issue and exchange of passports, provisions of the procedure for issuing and exchanging the aforementioned document were amended by the Order of the Minister of the Interior. On 7 December, the Order of the Minister of the Interior established that the issuance of new European passports of the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania will be started on 2 January 2008 by the Personalisation of Identity Documents Centre under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania. On 12 December, the draft law amending the Law on the Exchange of the Identity Cards of the Republic of Lithuania, prepared by the Ministry of the Interior and submitted to the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, was approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. The considered draft law suggests ensuring safe and reliable identification and authentification of persons online, protecting the identity card from forgery to a greater extent, reducing a possibility for illegal use of an identity card. Declaration of the place of residence of the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens On 5 February, the Regulations on the Declaration of a Place of Residence and Declaration Data Management as well as the Regulations of the Account of the Persons with no Place of Residence, which established the enforcement of the declaration function of the residence place in municipalities, were approved by the Order of the Minister of the Interior. On 1 July, after the Law Amending the Law on Declaration of the Place of Residence came into force, municipalities started to perform the function of keeping records of the data of declaration and persons having no place of residence. 10

11 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Structure of management of migration processes in the Republic of Lithuania Ministry of Foreign Affairs: organizes issuance of Schengen and national visas abroad; concludes treaties on visa regime, citizens travels and readmission. Ministry of the Interior: organizes state s regulation of migration; organizes the system of management of documents proving personal identity, management of immigration documents, implementation of visa policy of the Republic of Lithuania, organizes adoption of decisions on citizenship issues. Ministry of Social Security and Labor: analyzes migration flows of employees and seeks for balancing thereof considering the needs of Lithuanian labor market; coordinates and supervises support to integration of the aliens having obtained asylum in Lithuania. Diplomatic Missions and Consular Offices: issue Schengen and national visas. Police Department: exercises control over and coordinates activities of subordinate police institutions, provides guidance and instructions to them. Migration Units of Public Police of Territorial Police Offices (hereinafter Migration Services): solve issues related to the citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania; issue passports, personal identity cards, temporary certificates, notifications proving the right of temporary residence permit for a national of an EU Member State, temporary residence permits, residence permits of a longterm resident of the Republic of Lithuania, residence permits of a family member of a citizen of an EU Member State, travel documents of a stateless person and a refugee, aliens ' passports, invitations to aliens for temporary stay in the Republic of Lithuania, extend the period of stay for aliens holding visas; take decisions on obligating aliens to depart from the Republic of Lithuania, execute deportation of aliens from the Republic of Lithuania; accept aliens' applications for granting asylum in the Republic of Lithuania and conduct primary questioning; exercise control over legal stay of aliens in the Republic of Lithuania. Migration Department: organizes issuance of passports, personal identity cards, temporary certificates, certificates on retaining the right to Lithuanian citizenship, Schengen and national visas, certificates proving the right of temporary or permanent residence for a national of an EU Member State in the Republic of Lithuania, temporary residence permits in the Republic of Lithuania, residence permits in the European Community of a longterm resident of the Republic of Lithuania, residence permits of a family member of a citizen of an EU Member State, travel documents of a stateless person and a refugee, alien s passports, issuance of an alien s registration certificate; resolves issues of issuance of passports of the Republic of Lithuania, replacement for the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania residing abroad; resolves issues on Lithuanian citizenship; takes decisions regarding the issuance of temporary residence permits and residence permits in the European Community of a longterm resident of the Republic of Lithuania, notifications proving the right of permanent residence permit for a national of an EU Member State in the Republic of Lithuania; implements asylum granting procedure and takes relevant decisions, organizes implementation of taken decisions on asylum issues; takes decisions regarding return and expulsion of aliens from the Republic of Lithuania, organizes implementation of relevant decisions regarding of expulsion and return of aliens, issues temporary travel documents; compiles and manages the national list of aliens who are forbidden to enter the Republic of Lithuania; manages Aliens Register data. Refugee Reception Center: implements social integration of aliens to whom asylum has been granted. State Border Guard Service: participates in implementation of state control over migration. Aliens Registration Center: provides temporary accommodation to aliens that are staying in and have entered Lithuania illegally; provides temporary accommodation to aliens that have applied for asylum; implements expulsion of aliens from the Republic of Lithuania. Lithuanian Labour Exchange: issues work permits to aliens Border Control Posts: issue Schengen visas; exercise control of the aliens entering the Republic of Lithuania; implement primary asylumgranting procedure; take decision on refusing the admission of an alien to the Republic of Lithuania. 11

12 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 1.3. Structure of the Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania (as of 1 January 2008) Director Deputy Director Deputy Director Deputy Director Administration Division Aliens Affairs Division Passport Division Immigration Division Office Asylum Affairs Division Legal and International Relations Division Division on Citizenship Matters The Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania was established on 21 May 1992 by Order of the Minister of the Interior Petras Valiukas upon merging two divisions of the Ministry: the Emigration and Immigration Service under the Ministry of the Interior and the Passport Board of the Ministry of the Interior. Former directors of the Migration Department: Edvardas Gružas ( ), Česlovas Kazimieras Blažys ( ), Vladas Minkevičius ( ). Almantas Gavėnas has been the head of the Migration Department since Main legal acts of the Republic of Lithuania regulating management of migration processes (as of 1 January 2008) 1. Law of the Republic of Lithuania on the Legal Status of Aliens (as amended, in force since 30 April 2004). 2. Law of the Republic of Lithuania Implementing the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens (in force since 30 April 2004). 3. Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Citizenship (as amended, in force since 1 January 2003). 4. Law of the Republic of Lithuania Implementing the Law on Citizenship (as amended, in force since 1 January 2003). 5. Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Personal Identity Card (in force since 1 January 2003). 6. Law of the Republic of Lithuania Implementing the Law on Personal Identity Card (in force since 21 November 2001). 7. Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Passport (as amended, in force since 1 January 2003). 8. Law of the Republic of Lithuania Implementing the Law on Passport (in force since 28 November 2001). 9. Treaties of the Republic of Lithuania on travelling of citizens of both states (in force with 2 states: Belarus, Russia). 10. Readmission treaties of the Republic of Lithuania (in force with 24 states: Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Greece, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Poland, Luxembourg, Moldova, the Netherlands, Portugal, France, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, the Ukraine, Germany). 12

13 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Number of aliens residing in the Republic of Lithuania as of the beginning of 2008 (thous.) Population 1, including: Aliens ,4 Share of aliens in total national population, % Sources: 1 Department of Statistics under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania Personalization of Identity Documents Centre under the Ministry of the Interior data of , Migration Services data of 1.6. Number of aliens residing in the Republic of Lithuania as of the beginning of 2008, by nationality Holding a long term resident permit of the Republic of Lithuania Holding a permanent residence permit of the European Community Holding a temporary residence permit Holding a residence permit of the European Community Nationality European states, including: EU Member States, including: Latvia Poland Germany European Free Trade Association member states Other European states, including: Armenia Belarus Georgia Russia Ukraine North American states, including: the USA Central & South American states Australian & Oceania states Asian states, including: Israel Kazakhstan China Lebanon African states Stateless persons Total: Notes. 1. The table excludes aliens holding invalid residence permits of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania and of permanent residence permit of the European Community. 2. As of the beginning of 2008, nationals of 106 states were residing in the Republic of Lithuania. Source. Residents Register Service under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania. 13

14 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 1.7. Number of aliens residing in the Republic of Lithuania according to municipalities as of the beginning of 2008 Municipality Number of aliens Municipality Number of aliens Alytus county 796 Šiauliai county 2026 Druskininkai 309 Šiauliai city 1411 Alytus town, region 308 Akmenė region 83 Lazdijai region 25 Joniškis region 97 Varėna region 154 Kelmė region 75 Kaunas county 4405 Pakruojas region 61 Kaunas city 2894 Radviliškis region 161 Birštonas 6 Šiauliai region 138 Jonava region 525 Tauragė county 270 Kaišiadorys region 106 Jurbarkas region 66 Kaunas region 339 Pagėgiai 38 Kėdainiai region 373 Šilalė region 27 Prienai region 99 Tauragė region 139 Raseiniai region 63 Telšiai county 753 Klaipėda county 5588 Mažeikiai region 469 Klaipėda city 4859 Plungė region 163 Neringa 32 Rietavas 8 Palanga town 189 Telšiai region 113 Klaipėda region 230 Utena county 3970 Kretinga region 103 Visaginas 3317 Skuodas region 31 Anykščiai region 65 Šilutė region 144 Ignalina region 231 Marijampolė county 396 Molėtai region 56 Marijampolė 223 Utena region 118 Kalvarija 17 Zarasai region 183 Kazlų Rūda 37 Vilnius county Šakiai region 50 Vilnius city Vilkaviškis region 69 Šalčininkai region 319 Panevėžys county 930 Širvintai region 780 Panevėžys city 614 Švenčionys region 107 Biržai region 59 Trakai region 528 Kupiškis region 43 Elektrėnai 328 Panevėžys region 88 Ukmergė region 229 Pasvalys region 49 Vilnius region 1541 Rokiškis region 77 Total: Note. The table does not include aliens whose residence declaration data is deleted at the request of the owner of residential premises and who failed to declare residence. Source: Migration Services. 14

15 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Personal Identity cards and Travel documents of the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania 2.1. Issue of Personal Identity cards to the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania Number of personal identity cards issued, including: changed Note. Issue of personal identity cards to citizens of the Republic of Lithuania was started in January Source: Residents Register Service under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania. Personal identity card is the main personal document of the citizen of the Republic of Lithuania proving his/her personal identity and citizenship, and is designated for usage in the Republic of Lithuania. Personal identity card may be used for travelling to foreign states parties of appropriate treaties or agreements. Personal identity card is issued obligatory to every citizen of the Republic of Lithuania residing in Lithuania over 16 years of age, and in case of need to children under 16. Source: Article 2 (1,2 and 4) of the Law on Personal Identity Card of the Republic of Lithuania of 6 November states have recognized personal identity card as valid for travel: Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Great Britain, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Italy, Montenegro, Cyprus, Croatia, Latvia, Poland, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, France, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, Switzerland, Hungary, Germany (data as of 1 January 2008). Citizens of the Republic of Lithuania are allowed to visit these states with personal identity card. Source: Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania Issue of a Personal Identity card to a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania. Flow chart A citizen of the Republic of Lithuania must submit to the Migration Service according to his/her residence: an application for the issue of a personal identity card; an identity document proving citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania; 3 photographs; a receipt of payment of a state fee. Source: Paragraphs 5 and 6 of the Order on Issue, Change, Announcement as Invalid and Termination of Personal Identity Card approved by the rule of the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania of 28 November Personal identity card is issued not later than within one month from the date of receiving an application by the Migration Service. Source: Article 5(13) of Law on Personal Identity Card of the Republic of Lithuania of 6 November Lodging of an application for the issue of the personal identity card Migration Service Transmission of application data Personalization of Identity Documents Centre Residents Register Service Sending of issued personal identity cards Issue of personal identity cards Migration Service 15

16 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2.3. Issue of passports of the Republic of Lithuania to the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania Number of passports issued to the citizens residing in the Republic of Lithuania Number of passports issued to the citizens residing in foreign states Total: Note. Issue of passports of the Republic of Lithuania to citizens of the Republic of Lithuania was started in January Source: Residents Register Service under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania. Passport is a personal document of the citizen of the Republic of Lithuania proving his/her personal identity and citizenship and is designated for travel to foreign states. It is not obligatory to hold a passport; it is issued at the request of the citizen. Passport is issued to the citizens residing in the Republic of Lithuania or a foreign state. Passport may be issued to a citizen irrespective to his/her age. Source: Article 2(1 and 2), Article 5(2,3 and 4) of the Law on Passport of the Republic of Lithuania of 8 November Issue of a passport of the Republic of Lithuania to a citizen of the Republic of Lithuanian residing in the Republic of Lithuania. Flow chart A citizen of the Republic of Lithuania must submit to the Migration Service according to his/her residence: an application for the issue of a passport; a document proving personal identity and nationality of the Republic of Lithuania; 3 photographs; a receipt of payment of a state fee. Passport of the Republic of Lithuanian is issued not later than within one month from the date of receiving the application by the Migration Service. In urgent cases a passport can be issued within 1 working day or 5 working days. Source: Paragraphs 5, 7, 9, 32 and 52 of the Order on Issue, Change, Announcement as Invalid or Termination of Passport approved by the Order of the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania of 5 December approved by the Order of the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania of 5 December Lodging of an application for the issue of the passport Migration Service Transmission of application data Personalization of Identity Documents Centre Residents Register Service Sending of passports Issue of the passport Migration Service 16

17 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Issue of a passport of the Republic of Lithuania to a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania residing in a foreign state. Flow chart A citizen of the Republic of Lithuania must submit to a diplomatic mission or a consular post of the Republic of Lithuania: an application for the issue of a passport; a document proving personal identity and nationality of the Republic of Lithuania; 3 photographs; a receipt of payment of a consular fee. A passport of the Republic of Lithuanian is issued not later than within one month from the date of receiving the application by the Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior. If a residing in a foreign state is currently staying in Lithuania, he/she may directly apply to the Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior. Passport may be issued to a Citizen following general or urgent procedure. By applying urgent procedure the passport may be issued within 1 working day or 5 working days. Source: Paragraphs 5, 8, 9, 32 and 52 of the Order on Issue, Change, Announcement as Invalid or Termination of Passport approved by the Order of the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania of 5 December Lodging of an application for the issue of the passport Diplomatic mission or consular office of the Republic of Lithuania Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Residents Register Service Migration Department Personalizati on of Identity Documents Centre Issue of the passport Diplomatic mission or consular office of the Republic of Lithuania Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sending of passports Migration Department 17

18 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 3. Migration of the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens 3.1. Number of the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens who arrived to reside in the Republic of Lithuania in 2007, by states Including State, which the persons arrived from Citizens of the Republic of Lithuania Total Aliens European states, including: EU Member States, including: Ireland Denmark Spain Great Britain Latvia Sweden Germany European Free Trade Association member states, including: Norway Other European states, including: Belarus Russia Ukraine North American states, including: the USA Central & South American States Australian & Oceania states Asian states African states Not indicated Total: Note. The table includes the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens arriving for residence for the period exceeding 6 months. Source. Department of Statistics under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania Number of persons who arrived to reside in the Republic of Lithuania in 2007, by nationality Nationality Number of persons European states, including: EU Member States, including: Lithuania Germany 70 European Free Trade Association member states 5 Other European states, including: Belarus 746 Russia 416 Ukraine 422 North American states, including: 133 the USA 123 Central & South American States 17 Australian & Oceania states 5 Asian states 162 African states 24 Without nationality 24 Total: Note. The table includes the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens arriving for residence for the period exceeding 6 months. Source. Department of Statistics under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. 18

19 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Declaration of residence of the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens who arrived to reside in the Republic of Lithuania. Flow chart A citizen of the Republic of Lithuania or an alien must declare his/her residence within 7 working days from the occurrence of the obligation to declare the residence. Citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens are treated as having declared their residence from the date of submitting declaration to the division of municipal administration or a ward (hereinafter declaration institution). Source: Article 7(6) and 10(1) of the Law on Declaration of Residence of the Republic of Lithuania of 2 July A citizen of the Republic of Lithuania or an alien, having arrived to the Republic of Lithuania for residence, must submit to the declaration institution: declaration of residence filled in case a person arrives to the Republic of Lithuania for residence; personal identity document; documents evidencing the title to ownership or another title to lawful management, use or disposal of the residential premises; a separate letter of consent signed by the owner (coowners) or a person authorized by him/her (them) permitting the person to take up residence in the residential premises owned by the owner (coowners) (except cases when the residence is declared by the owner of the residential premises). Source: Paragraphs 6, 14 and 15 of the Declaration of Residence and Declaration Data Management Rules approved by the Order of the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania of 5 February Lodging of a declaration of residence Declaration institution Transmission of data of the place of residence Residents Register Service 19

20 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 3.4. Number of citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens who departed for residence to foreign states in 2007, by states State where the persons departed to Total Including Citizens of the Republic of Lithuania Aliens European states, including: EU Member States, including: Ireland Belgium Denmark Great Britain Spain Italy Latvia Netherlands France Sweden Germany European Free Trade Association member states, including: Norway Other European states, including: Belarus Russia Ukraine North American states, including: the USA Central & South American states Australian & Oceania states Asian states African states Not indicated 6 6 Total: Note. The table includes the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens departing for residence for the period exceeding 6 months. Source: Department of Statistics under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania Number of persons who departed for residence to foreign states in 2007, by nationality Nationality Number of persons European states, including: EU Member States, including: Lithuania European Free Trade Association member states 7 Other European states, including: Belarus 356 Russia 412 Ukraine 334 North American states, including: 192 the USA 180 Central & South American states 19 Australian & Oceania states 10 Asian states 239 African states 15 Stateless 284 Total: Note. The table includes the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens departing for residence for the period exceeding 6 months. Source: Department of Statistics under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. 20

21 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Declaration of residence of citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens departing for residence abroad. Flow chart A citizen of the Republic of Lithuania or an alien departing from the Republic of Lithuania for a period exceeding six months (except an alien holding temporary permission of residence in the Republic of Lithuania) must declare the change of residence within 7 working days before departure. Citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens are treated as having declared residence from the day of submission of declaration to a division of the municipal administration or a ward (hereinafter declaration institution). Source: Article 7(6), 10(2) and Article 11 of the Law on Declaration of Residence of the Republic of Lithuania of 2 July A citizen of the Republic of Lithuania or an alien must submit to the declaration institution: a declaration to be filled in case the person departs from the Republic of Lithuania for a period exceeding six months; a personal identity document. Source: Paragraphs 6, 14 and 15 of the Declaration of Residence and Declaration Data Management Rules approved by the Order of the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania of 5 February Lodging of a declaration of residence Declaration institution Transmission of data of the place of residence Residents Registre Service 3.7. Provision of data on declaration of residence of the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens having departed from Lithuania through Diplomatic Missions or Consular Offices to foreign states. Flow chart A citizen of the Republic of Lithuania and an alien must declare his/her residence within 7 working days from the occurrence of the obligation to declare the residence. Citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens are treated as having declared residence from the day of submission of declaration to a division of the municipal administration or a ward (hereinafter declaration institution). Source: Article 7(6), 10(1) and Article 11 of the Law on Declaration of Residence of the Republic of Lithuania of 2 July A citizen of the Republic of Lithuania or an alien residing in a foreign state who after departure from Lithuania stayed in a foreign state for a period exceeding six months must submit to a diplomatic mission or a consular office of the Republic of Lithuania in a foreign state: a declaration to be filled in case the person departs from the Republic of Lithuania for residence in a foreign state for a period exceeding six months; a personal identity document. Source: Paragraph 90 of the Declaration of Residence and Declaration Data Management Rules approved by the Order of the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania of 5 February

22 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Lodging of a declaration of residence Diplomatic Mission or Consular Office of the Republic of Lithuania abroad Municipal administration of a place of residence of a person Residents Register Service Transmission of data of declaration of residence Declaration institution 3.8. Calculation of the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens with no residence. Flow chart A citizen of the Republic of Lithuania or an alien with no residential premises or who due to objective reasons is unable to declare residence following the established order of the Law on Declaration of Residence of the Republic of Lithuania may be included in the calculation of persons with no residence. Municipalities of actual residence, division of the municipal administration or a ward (hereinafter declaration institution) includes the persons with no place of residence in the calculation of persons with no place of residence subject to receiving application of the established form of the citizen of the Republic of Lithuania or an alien. Source: Article 3(8), 4(7) and Article 11 of the Law on Declaration of Residence of the Republic of Lithuania of 2 July In order to be included in the calculation of persons with no residence a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania or an alien provides the declaration institution with: application for inclusion into the calculation; personal identity document. Citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and aliens are treated as being included in the calculation of persons with no residence from the day of registration of application on inclusion in the calculation at the declaration institution. Source: Paragraphs 6, 10, 11 and 13 of the Rules of Calculation of Persons with no Residence approved by the Order of the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania of 5 February Lodging of an application for inclusion into calculation of persons with no residence Declaration institution Data entered Residents Register Service Calculation of persons with no residence has started since 1 October Following the data of Residents Register Service under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania persons were entered into calculation in 2004, in persons, in persons, in persons. On 1 January persons were included into the calculation of persons with no residence. Source: Residents Register Service under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania. 22

23 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Visas 4.1. Number of decisions regarding applications of aliens to issue a visa in 2007, by place of submission Place of submission of application Decision taken To issue To reject issuing Diplomatic Missions and Consular Offices of the Republic of Lithuania Border Guard Posts Migration Services Migration Department 620 Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 164 Total: Sources: Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, State Border Guard Service under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, Migration Services Number of visas of the Republic of Lithuania issued to aliens, by type Type of visa Airport transit (A) Transit (B) Shortterm (C) Longterm (D) Total: Sources: Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, State Border Guard Service under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, Migration Services Issue of a visa to an alien. Flow chart Natural/legal person of the Republic of Lithuania Application to the Migration Service for the approval of an invitation to an alien for temporary stay in the Republic of Lithuania Migration Service Alien Approval of an invitation to an alien for temporary stay in the Republic of Lithuania Refusal to approve of an invitation to an alien for temporary stay in the Republic of Lithuania Application for a visa Issued visa Embassy or Consular Office of the Republic of Lithuania abroad Visa denied Consultation Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania 23

24 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T An alien is refused the issue of a visa if: 1) he does not comply with the conditions of entry established in the Schengen Borders Code, except the cases when conditions for entering are not fully complied with but the entering by the alien is necessary due to humanitarian reasons, national interests or international obligations; 2) in order to be issued a visa, the alien refused to produce the required information about the purpose and conditions of the journey, about the available means of subsistence during the period of his stay in the Republic of Lithuania or made statements of substantive fact which are untrue; 3) applying for a visa the alien presented documents with elements of counterfeiting; 4) there are serious grounds to believe that the alien may engage in illegal activities in the Republic of Lithuania for which liability under the laws of the Republic of Lithuania is established; 5) he is on the national list of aliens for whom an alert has been issued for the purpose of refusing entry in the Republic of Lithuania; 6) it has been decided to oblige him to depart from or to expel him from the Schengen state; 7) he has humiliated by action, word or deed the visa issuing officers, employees or the State of the Republic of Lithuania; 8) where there are serious grounds to believe that he has committed a crime against humanity or a war crime or committed genocide within the meaning defined in the laws of the Republic of Lithuania, international treaties and other sources of international law; 9) he has not submitted documents testifying to his being covered by health insurance, when the documents are required during the journey. Source: Article 19 of the Law on Legal Status of Aliens of the Republic of Lithuania of 29 April Number of decisions on extension of the period of stay in the Republic of Lithuania to aliens in possession of a visa, by place of decisiontaking Issue Reject Reject Reject Reject Issue Issue Issue issuing issuing issuing issuing Decisions taken by: Migration Services Migration Department Total: Sources: Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, Migration Services Number of decisions on extension of the period of stay of aliens in the Republic of Lithuania in possession of a visa, by type Decisions taken: positive negative Total: Sources: Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, Migration Services. 24

25 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Extension of the period of stay in the Republic of Lithuania in possession of a visa. Flow chart Alien and the person accepting him/her in the Republic of Lithuania Application for extension of the period of stay in the Republic of Lithuania Migration Unit of the Public Police of Police Headquarters of Vilnius, Kaunas or Klaip da Consultations with the Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior in case of uncertainties Extension of the period of stay in the Republic of Lithuania in possesion of a visa Denial to extend the period of stay in the Republic of Lithuania in possession of a visa For an alien whose visa expired the period of stay in the Republic of Lithuania in possession of a visa may be extended for any of the following reasons which emerged after the issue of the visa: 1) acute illness, any other health disorder or condition of organism precluding the alienís departure from the Republic of Lithuania; 2) professional activity; 3) personal reason which the alien could not have foreseen and could not avoid its emergence during his stay in the Republic of Lithuania being in possession of a visa; 4) force majeure. Source: Article 18(1) of the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens of the Republic of Lithuania of 29 April

26 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 4.7. List of countries whose citizens do not require visas to enter the Republic of Lithuania (as of 1 January 2008) 1. Ireland; 2. Andorra; 3. Argentina; 4. Australia; 5. Austria; 6. Belgium; 7. Brazil; 8. Brunei Darussalam; 9. Bulgaria; 10. Check Republic; 11. Chile; 12. Denmark; 13. Great Britain; 14. Estonia; 15. Greece; 16. Guatemala; 17. Honduras; 18. Hong Kong 1 ; 19. Iceland; 20. Spain; 21. Italy; 22. Israel; 23. Japan; 24. the United States of America; 25. Canada; 26. Cyprus; 27. Costa Rica; 28. Croatia; 29. Latvia; 30. Poland; 31. Lichtenstein; 32. Luxembourg; 33. Macau 2 ; 34. Malaysia; 35. Malta; 36. Mexico; 37. Monaco; 38. New Zeeland; 39. Nicaragua; 40. the Netherlands; 41. Norway; 42. Panama; 43. Paraguay; 44. South Korea; 45. Portugal; 46. France; 47. Romania; 48. El Salvador; 49. San Marino; 50. Singapore; 51. Slovakia; 52. Slovenia; 53. Finland; 54. Sweden; 55. Switzerland; 56. Uruguay; 57. Vatican City; 58. Venezuela; 59. Hungary; 60. Germany List of countries whose citizens holding diplomatic or service passports may enter the Republic of Lithuania without visas (as of 31 December 2007) Armenia (only holders of diplomatic passports); China; Morocco (only holders of diplomatic passports); Moldova (only holders of diplomatic passports); Russia (only holders of diplomatic passports); Turkey (also holders of special passports); Ukraine. 1 Visas requirement abolishment is only valid for holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports. 2 Visas requirement abolishment is only valid for holders of passports of Macao Special Administrative Region. 26

27 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K List of countries to which Lithuanian citizens are exempted from visa requirements (as of 31 December 2007) Ireland; Albania; Andorra; Argentina; Australia (only for transit****) Austria; Belgium; Belize; Bolivia; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Czech Republic; Chile; Denmark; Great Britain; *** Dominican Republic;* Ecuador; Estonia; Greece; Georgia; Gvatemala; Honduras; Hong Kong; Iceland; Spain; Italy; Israel; Japan; Montenegro; Cyprus; Colombia; Costa Rica; Croatia; Latvia; Poland; Lichtenstein; Luxembourg; Macao; Macedonia; Malaysia; Malta; Morocco; Mauritius; Mexico; Moldova; Monaco; New Zeeland; Nicaragua; the Netherlands; Norway; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; South Korea; Portugal; France; Romania; El Salvador; San Marino; Serbia; Singapore; Slovakia; Slovenia; Finland; Swaziland; Sweden; Switzerland; Trinidad and Tobago (for 1 month travelling only); Tunisia (organized tourism only); Ukraine; Uruguay; Vatican City; Venezuela;** Hungary; Germany. * For holders of Tourist Card only. ** For holders of DEX2 card only. *** Visa is also not required for Lithuanian citizens travelling to the following overseas territories of the United Kingdom: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Virgin Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat. **** Since 1 November 2005 transit visas of Australia are not required if the following requirements are met: a citizen has a confirmed onward booking and a valid permission to enter the country of destination; not allowed to leave the transit lounge; leave Australia within eight hours of arrival. Citizens of the Republic of Lithuania going to Australia need Australian visa. 27

28 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T List of countries which may be entered by the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania holding diplomatic or service passports without visas (as of 31 December 2007) Armenia (only holders of diplomatic passports); China; Russia (only holders of diplomatic passports, but not exceeding 90 days within the period of 180 days); Sent Lucia (only holders of diplomatic passports); Turkey; Venezuela. 5. Facilitated Transit for the citizens of the Russian Federation 5.1. Decisions regarding issuance of Facilitated Transit / Facilitated Railway Transit documents to the citizens of the Russian Federation On issue of a facilitated transit document Issue Reject Reject Reject Reject Issue Issue Issue issuing * issuing issuing issuing On issue of a facilitated railway transit document Total: * Revised data of reports. Source: Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania Issue of Facilitated Transit documents to the citizens of the Russian Federation. Flow chart Citizen of the Russian Federation Application for a facilitated transit document Issue of a facilitated transit document Embassy or Consular Office of the Republic of Lithuania in the Russian Federation Denial to issue Consultation Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania 28

29 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Issue of Facilitated Railway Transit documents (FRTD) to the citizens of the Russian Federation. Flow chart Application Russian information system Transmission of data Transmission of data Positive or negative answer Traveller Ticket Ticket office State Border Control Handling of FRDT Printing FRTD Moscow Traveller St. Petersburg Kaliningrad Consular Offices of the Republic of Lithuania 29

30 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 6. Residence permits of a citizen of the European Community Member State 6.1. Number of applications of citizens of EU/EFTA Member States for issue/extension of the residence permit of a citizen of an EC Member State in 2007, by nationality Nationality Number of applications Ireland 9 Austria 12 Belgium 8 Bulgaria 97 Czech Republic 27 Denmark 49 Great Britain 46 Estonia 15 Greece 4 Iceland 1 Spain 59 Italy 70 Cyprus 2 Latvia 111 Poland 164 the Netherlands 34 Norway 22 Portugal 13 France 50 Romania 21 Slovakia 52 Slovenia 14 Finland 40 Sweden 28 Switzerland 3 Hungary 8 Germany 164 Total: Note. The table does not include family members of the citizens of the EU / EFTA Member States that are citizens of third countries. A national of a Member State of the European Union shall have the right to reside in the Republic of Lithuania if he: 1) is an employee or selfemployed person; 2) is in possession of adequate means of subsistence for himself and for his family members to reside in the Republic of Lithuania and is in possession of a valid medical insurance document; 3) is a student, a pupil, a trainee, attends retraining courses or vocational training courses, has adequate means of subsistence to stay in the Republic of Lithuania for himself and his family members if they accompany or join him and is in possession of a valid medical insurance document; 4) is a family member of an EU member state national who accompanies him or joins him. Source: Article 101(1) of Law on the Legal Status of Aliens of the Republic of Lithuania 30

31 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Number of applications of family members of a citizen of an EU / EFTA Member State who are citizens of third countries for issue / extention of an EC residence permit in 2007, by nationality Nationality Applications filed Albania 1 Azerbaijan 1 Belarus 2 Stateless 31 Canada 3 Morocco 1 Moldova 1 Nigeria 1 Russia 3 Serbia 1 Ukraine 5 Total: Number of decisions for issue/extension of an EC residence permit in 2007, by nationality Ireland Austria Belgium Bulgaria Czech Republic Denmark Great Britain Estonia Greece Iceland Spain Italy Cyprus Latvia Poland the Netherlands Norway Portugal France Romania Slovakia Slovenia Finland Sweden Switzerland Hungary Germany Nationality Decisions on Residence Permits of a Citizen of EC Member State issue / extension refusal on issue / extension Total: Note. The table does not include family members of the citizens of EU / EFTA Member States that are citizens of third countries. 31

32 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 6.4. Number of decisions for issue / extension of an EC residence permit to family members of a citizen of an EU / EFTA Member State who are citizens of third countries in 2007, by nationality Nationality issue / extension Decisions on an EC residence permits refusal on issue / extension Albania Stateless Canada Morocco Moldova Russia Serbia Ukraine Total: Number of decisions for issue/extension of an EC residence permit in 2007, by grounds of arrival Ground for arrival Is an employee or selfemployed person Is in possession of adequate means of subsistence for himself and for his family members to reside in the Republic of Lithuania and is in possession of a valid medical insurance document Is a student, a pupil, a trainee, attends retraining courses or vocational training courses, has adequate means of subsistence to stay in the Republic of Lithuania for himself and his family members if they accompany or join him and is in possession of a valid medical insurance document Is a family member of an EU member state national who accompanies him or joins him Is a family member of an EU member state national who is a citizen of a third country Members of the family of a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania who are citizens of third countries, accompanying a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania who arrived for residence in the Republic of Lithuania and who used the right of free movement of persons in the EU, or visiting him coming from other EU / EFTA member states Decisions on an EC residence permits issue / extension refusal on issue / extension Total:

33 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Number of EC residence permits issued in 2007, by nationality Nationality Number of EC residence permits issued Ireland 7 Austria 6 Belgium 9 Bulgaria 117 Czeck Republic 12 Denmark 44 Great Britain 45 Estonia 12 Greece 5 Iceland 1 Spain 50 Italy 58 Latvia 103 Poland 107 the Netherlands 24 Norway 24 Portugal 7 France 43 Romania 16 Slovakia 13 Slovenia 10 Finland 41 Sweden 24 Switzerland 1 Hungary 5 Germany 152 Total 936 Note. The table does not include family members of the citizens of EU / EFTA Member States that are citizens of third countries Number of EC residence permits issued to family members of a citizen of an EU / EFTA Member State who are citizens of third countries in 2007, by nationality Nationality Number of EC residence permits issued Albania 1 Azerbaijan 1 Stateless 27 the USA 1 Canada 2 China 1 Moldova 1 Russia 9 Serbia 1 Ukraine 8 Total: 52 33

34 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 6.8. Number of EC residence permits issued in 2007, by grounds of arrival Grounds of arrival Number of EC residence permits issued Is an employee or selfemployed person Is in possession of adequate means of 456 subsistence for himself and for his family members to reside in the Republic of Lithuania and is in possession of a valid medical insurance document Is a student, a pupil, a trainee, attends retraining courses or vocational training courses, has adequate means of subsistence to stay in the Republic of Lithuania for himself and his family members if they accompany or join him and is in possession of a valid medical insurance document Is a family member of an EU member state national who accompanies him or joins him Is a family member of an EU member state national who is a citizen of a third country Members of the family of a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania who are citizens of third countries, accompanying a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania who arrived for residence in the Republic of Lithuania and who used the right of free movement of persons in the EU, or visiting him coming from other EU / EFTA member states Total:

35 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Issue/extension of an EC residence permit. Flow chart 6.9. Issue/Extension of an EC Residence Permit. Flow Chart Lodging of an application of the issue / extension of an EC Residence Permit and producing of documents in evidence of grounds for residence in the Republic of Lithuania Diplomatic mission / consular office of the Republic of Lithuania in a foreign state (hereinafter Consular Office) Migration Service in the territory of which a Citizen of the EU/EFTA Member State and his/her family members will declare or have declared the residence (hereinafter Migration Service) Migration Department Information on Conviction Division of the IT and Communications Department under the Ministry of the Interior Archives of Migration Department Central database of Residents Register Service Database of Aliens Register Examination of an application for issue / extension of an EC Residence Permit Data check Database of Interpol Secretariat General Sending of enquiries Making of decision on issue / extension of an EC Residence Permit Police Department under the Ministry of the Interior State Security Department Sending of a notice of the decision on issue / extension of an EC Residence Permit Consular Office (if the application was lodged in it) Sending of a notice of the decision on refusal to issue / extend of an EC Residence Permit Lodging of an application for making EC Residence Citizen of the EU / EFTA Member State and his / her family members Migration Service Taking of an EC Residence Permit An appeal against the decision by the Migration Department Court Decision of the Migration Department is overturned Sending of a request for the issuance of EC Residence Permit Sending of an issued EC Residence Permit Personalization of Identity Documents Centre Decision of the Migration Department is uphold 35

36 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Number of applications of citizens of an EU / EFTA Member State for issue of an EC permanent residence permit in 2007, by nationality Nationality Applications filed Ireland 18 Austria 6 Belgium 2 Bulgaria 1 Czech Republic 1 Denmark 27 Great Britain 9 Estonia 5 Greece 2 Spain 7 Italy 15 Latvia 21 Poland 73 the Netherlands 2 Norway 7 Portugal 2 France 8 Romania 1 Finland 15 Sweden 7 Switzerland 1 Hungary 1 Germany 57 Total: 288 Note. The table does not include family members of the citizens of EU / EFTA Member States that are citizens of third countries. The national of an EU Member State who has been legally residing in the Republic of Lithuania for the last 5 years or who has been retained the right to citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania according to the procedure established by the Law on Citizenship or who is a person of Lithuanian descent or entered the Republic of Lithuania for residence accompanying the citizen of the Republic of Lithuania as his family member, shall acquire the right to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania. The EU member state national shall be issued a certificate of the form established by the Minister of the Interior confirming his right to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania. This certificate proves the right of the EU member state national to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania. Source. Article 104(1)(4) of the Law on Legal Status of Aliens of the Republic of Lithuania of 29 April

37 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Number of decisions on issue of certificate confirming the right of an EU / EFTA Member State national to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania in 2007, by nationality Nationality Decisions made regarding certificate proving the right to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania Issue Refuse to issue Ireland 18 Austria 6 Belgium 2 Bulgaria 1 Czech Republic 1 Denmark 27 Great Britain 9 Estonia 5 Greece 2 Spain 7 Italy 15 Latvia 21 Poland 73 the Netherlands 2 Norway 7 Portugal 2 France 8 Romania 1 Finland 15 Sweden 7 Switzerland 1 Hungary 1 Germany 57 Total:

38 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Issue of certificate confirming the right of an EU / EFTA Member State national to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania. Flow chart EU member state national provides the Migration Service in the territory of which he/she will declare or have declared the place of residence with a request to issue a certificate proving the right to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania Central database of Residents Register Service Migration Service accepts application of EU member state national along with supporting documents, carries out check of the submited documents Database of the Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau Database of Aliens Register Migration Department under the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Lithuania analyses the application, carries out checks in databases, takes decision to ackowledge an EU member state national as having the right to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania or not to acknowledge an EU member state national as having the right to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania After A an EU member state national is acknowledged as having the right to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania, a notification on the decision taken along with a certificate proving his/her right to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania is sent to the EU member state national by a registered letter In case of failing to acknowledge an EU member state national as having the right to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania, a copy of decision taken not to ackowledge an EU member state national as having the right to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania is sent by post EU member state national does not appeal the decision of the Migration Department not to ackowledge an EU member state national as having the right to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania EU member state national appeals to an appropriate administrative court the decision of the Migration Department not to ackowledge an EU member state national as having the right to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania The court passes the decision to uphold the decision passed by the Migration Department The court passes the decision to quash the decision of the Migration Department not to ackowledge an EU member state national as having the right to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania. Migration Department analyses application of an EU member state national repeatedly 38

39 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Number of applications of family members of citizens of an EU / EFTA Member State for issue of an EC permanent residence permit in 2007, by nationality Nationality Applications filed issue extend Belarus 1 Russia 1 Total: 2 Family members of an EU member state national acquire the right to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania if they have been legally residing in it with an EU member state national for the last 5 years or if they retained the right to reside in the Republic of Lithuania under the paragraph 1 of Article 101 (1) of the Law on Legal Status of Aliens of the Republic of Lithuania or they are family members of an EU member state national who has retained the right to citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania according to the procedure established by the Law on Citizenship or are family members of a person of Lithuanian descent. Source. Article 104(2)(3)(5) of the Law on Legal Status of Aliens of the Republic of Lithuania of 29 April Number of decisions for issue / extension of permanent residence permits in the Republic of Lithuania for family members of citizens of an EU / EFTA Member State in 2007, by nationality Nationality Decisions passed Issue Not to issue Belarus 1 Russia 1 Total: 2 39

40 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Issue of a permanent residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania for a family member of an EU Member State national. Flow chart An alien provides the Migration Service in the territory of which he/she will declare or have declared the place of residence with a request to issue a permit of a family member of an EU member state national to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter permit) Central database of Residents Register Service Migration Service accepts application of the alien along with supporting documents, carries out check of the submited documents in databases Database of Aliens Register Database of the Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau Migration Department under the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Lithuania analyses the application, carries out checks in databases, takes decision to issue or not to issue the permit An alien sumbits an application regarding drawing a permit to the Migration Service Migration Service accepts a request of the alien to draw a permit, sends the order for issue of the permit, issues the permit to the alien Personalization of Identity Documents issues the permit After the decision is taken to issue a permit to an alien, a notification is sent by post on decision taken along with an explanation where the alien must turn to regarding the issue of the permit, what documents to submit An alien takes the permit After the decision is taken not to issue the permit to an alien, a copy of the decision not to issue the permit is sent by post An alien does not appeal the decision of the Migration Department to Vilnius Regional Administrative Court, the decision remains valid An alien appeals the decision of the Migration Department to Vilnius Regional Administrative Court Vilnius Regional Administrative Court passes the decision to quash the decision of the Migration Department not to issue the permit. Migration Department analyses the application of the alien repeatedly Vilnius Regional Administrative Court passes the decision to uphold the decision passed by the Migration Department 40

41 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Extension of a permanent residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania for a family member of an EU Member State national. Flow chart An alien provides the Migration Service in the territory of which he/she will declare or have declared the place of residence with a request to extend a permit of a family member of an EU member state national to permanently reside in the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter permit) Central database of Residents Register Service Migration Service accepts application of an alien along with supporting documents, carries out check of the submited documents in databases, passes decision to extend the permit After the decision is taken to extend the permit, a notification is sent by post on decision taken along with explanation what an alien must provide for drawing the permit An alien sumbits an application regarding drawing of the permit to the Migration Service S i Personalization of Identity Documents Centre issues the permit Migration Service accepts a request of an alien to draw the permit, sends the order for issue of the permit, issues the permit to an alien An alien takes the permit 41

42 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 7. Temporary residence permits in the Republic of Lithuania 7.1. Number of applications of aliens for issue/replacement of a temporary residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania, by nationality Applications for the issue/replacement of a temporary residence permit in the Nationality of an alien Republic of Lithuania * European States, including: Belarus Russia Turkey Ukraine North American states, including: the USA Central & South American states Australian & Oceania states Asian states, including: Israel China Lebanon African states Stateless Total: * Including applications by citizens of EU/EFTA Member States before 29 April Note. The table does not include aliens that have submitted applications for subsidiary protection in the Republic of Lithuania. A temporary residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania may be issued / replaced to an alien if: 1) an alien has retained the right to Lithuanian citizenship in the manner prescribed by the Law on Citizenship; 2) an alien is a person of Lithuanian descent; 3) case of family reunification; 4) the alien intends to take up employment in the Republic of Lithuania; 5) the alien intends to engage in lawful activities in the Republic of Lithuania; 6) the alien intends to get access to education, to study at an educational establishment, to participate in internship, training, to take part in vocational training; 7) the alien has been put under guardianship/curatorship or has been appointed guardian/curator; 8) the alien may not be expelled from the Republic of Lithuania or his expulsion has been postponed; 9) the alien has been granted subsidiary protection in the Republic of Lithuania; 10) the alien has been granted temporary protection in the Republic of Lithuania; 11) the alien is unable to leave because he is in a dangerous state of health and needs immediate emergency medical aid; 12) he shall be allowed to remain in the Republic of Lithuania as he is or has been a victim of human trafficking and cooperates with the pretrial investigation body or with the court in the fight against trafficking in human beings or in combating the offences of trafficking in human beings. Source: Article 40(1) of Law on the Legal Status of Aliens of the Republic of Lithuania. 42

43 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Number of decisions on issue/replacement of a temporary residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania for aliens in 2007, by grounds for arrival Decisions on issue/replacement of a temporary residence permit in the Republic Grounds for arrival of Lithuania issue / replace refusal on issue / replacement The alien has retained the right to citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania in the manner prescribed by the Law on Citizenship 17 The alien is a person of Lithuanian descent 13 Parents (adoptive parents) of the alien or one of them live in the Republic of Lithuania and are citizens of the Republic of Lithuania 368 A child (adoptive child) of the alien lives in the Republic of Lithuania and is a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania 710 Spouse of the alien lives in the Republic of Lithuania and is a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania or a foreigner who possesses a permanent residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania Parents (adoptive parents) of the alien live in the Republic of Lithuania) who are incapable for work due to old age pension or disablement and have a permanent residence permit 353 The alien is in possession of a work permit in the Republic of Lithuania The alien intends to work in the Republic of Lithuania 142 The alien incorporates a company, establishment or organization in the Republic of Lithuania as an owner or joint owner who owns not less than 10 percent of the authorized capital of the company or voting rights, and his stay in Lithuania is necessary for achievement of the objectives of the company, establishment or organization as well as carrying out the activity The alien is the head or an authorized person of the company, establishment or organization registered in the Republic of Lithuania, if the main purpose of his arrival is work at the company, establishment or organization The alien intends to engage in lawful activities in the Republic of Lithuania, the activity of which is not subject to work permission or permission to carry out certain type of activity 162 The alien intends to get education, to study at an educational establishment, to participate in an internship programme, to undergo inservice training, to take part in vocational training 993 The alien has been appointed guardian/curator of a person who is a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania 3 A citizen of the Republic of Lithuania has been appointed guardian/curator of the alien 31 The alien is unable to leave because of the dangerous physical condition and he is in need of immediate medical aid 18 The alien arrives as a family member of an alien 49 Other 32 Total:

44 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 7.3. Number of temporary residence permits in the Republic of Lithuania issued to aliens in 2007, by nationality Nationality Temporary residence permits in the Republic of Lithuania issued / replaced European states, including: Belarus Russia Ukraine North American states, including: 358 the USA 317 Central & South American states 58 Australian & Oceania states 15 Asian states, including: Israel 264 China 270 Lebanon 138 African states 91 Total: Number of temporary residence permits in the Republic of Lithuania issued / replaced to aliens in 2007, by grounds for arrival Grounds for arrival The alien has retained the right to the citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania following the order established by the Law on Citizenship The alien is a person of Lithuanian descent The alien arrives for family reunification The alien intends to work in the Republic of Lithuania The alien intends to engage in lawful activities The alien intends to get education, to study at an educational establishment, to participate in an internship programme, to undergo inservice training, to take part in vocational training The alien has been put under guardianship / curatorship or he has been appointed guardian/curator the alien may not be expelled from the Republic of Lithuania or his expulsion has been postponed The alien has been granted subsidiary protection in the Republic of Lithuania The alien is unable to leave because of the dangerous physical condition and he is in need of immediate medical aid Arrives as a family member of an alien Temporary residence permits in the Republic of Lithuania issued / replaced Total:

45 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Issue of a temporary residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania to an alien. Flow chart Alien. Flow Chart Lodging of an application for the issue of a temporary residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter Temporary Residence Permit) and producing the documents in evidence of grounds for residence in the Republic of Lithuania Diplomatic mission or consular post of the Republic of Lithuania in a foreign country (hereinafter consular post) Migration Service in the territory of which an alien will declare the residence (hereinafter Migration Service) Migration Department Information on Conviction Division of the IT and Communications Department under the Ministry of the Interior Archives of Migration Department Central database of Residents Register Database of the Aliens Register Examination of an application for the issue of a Temporary Residence Permit Data check Database of Interpol Secretariat General Sending of enquiries Police Department under the MoI State Security Department Passing of decision on the issue of a Temporary Residence Permit Sending of a notice on the decision to issue the temporary residence permit Lodging of an application for making temporary residence Consular post (if the application to issue temporary residence permit has been lodged in it) A single entry longstay visa is issued (D) Alien Sending of a notice on the decision to refuse issuing the temporary residence permit Decision of the Migration Department is overturned Migration Service Temporary Residence Permit is taken back Sending of the formed order to issue the Temporary Residence Permit Sending of the issued Temporary Residence Permit An appeal against the decision taken by the Migration Department Personalization of Identity Documents Centre Court Decision of the Migration Department is uphold 45

46 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 7.6. Replacement of a temporary residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania for an alien. Flow chart Lodging of an application for the replacement of a temporary residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania and producing the documents in evidence of grounds for residence in the Republic of Lithuania Migration Service in the territory of which a an alien will declare or have declared the residence (hereinafter Migration Service) Migration Department Information on Conviction Division of the IT and Communications Department under the MoI Central database of Residents Register Database of the Aliens Register Examination of the application for the replacement of a Temporary Residence Permit Data check Database of Interpol Secretariat General Sending of enquiries Police Department under the MoI State Security Department Making of decision on replacement of a Temporary Residence Permit Sending of a notice on the decision to replace the Temporary Residence Permit Sending of a notice on the decision to refuse replacing the Temporary Residence Permit Migration Service Lodging of an application for filing Temporary Residence Permit Alien Temporary Residence Permit is taken Sending of the formed order to issue the Temporary Residence Permit Sending of the issued Temporary Residence Permit An appeal against the decision taken by the Migration Department Personalization of Identity Documents Centre Decision of the Migration Department is overturned Court Decision of the Migration Department is uphold 46

47 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Permits of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community 8.1. Number of applications of aliens for the issue of a permit of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community in 2007, by nationality Nationality Applications filed Albania 1 Algeria 1 Armenia 20 Australia 7 Azerbaijan 10 Belarus 57 Stateless 62 Brasilia 3 Egypt 2 Georgia 11 Israel 28 United Arabic Emirates 1 Japan 2 the USA 147 Jordan 1 Canada 6 Kazakhstan 5 China 5 Lebanon 8 Mexico 1 Moldova 9 New Zeeland 2 Nigeria 4 Republic of South Africa 1 Russia 234 Serbia 1 Tajikistan 1 Turkey 3 Turkmenistan 2 Ukraine 46 Uzbekistan 3 Vietnam 6 Total: 690 Note. The table does not include aliens that have been granted the refugee status in the Republic of Lithuania. 47

48 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 8.2. Number of decisions on issue of a permit of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community in 2007, by nationality Decision on issue of a permit of a long term resident of the Republic of Nationality Lithuania to reside in the European Community issue refuse to issue Albania 1 Algeria 1 Armenia 20 Australia 6 Azerbaijan 10 Belarus 55 Brasilia 3 Egypt 2 Georgia 11 Israel 27 United Arabic Emirates 1 Japan 1 1 the USA 146 Jordan 1 Canada 6 Kazakhstan 5 China 5 Lebanon 8 Mexico 1 Moldova 8 New Zeeland 2 Nigeria 4 Republic of South Africa 1 Russia Serbia 1 Tajikistan 1 Turkey 3 Turkmenistan 45 Ukraine 3 Uzbekistan 6 Vietnam 56 Total:

49 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Number of permits of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community issued to aliens in 2007, by grounds Ground for issue Number of aliens Has retained the right to Lithuanian citizenship 23 Is a person of Lithuanian descent 94 Arrived to Lithuania for residence together with a Lithuanian citizen as a member of his/ her family 87 Has lost Lithuanian citizenship but resides in the Republic of Lithuania 30 A child under 18 was born in the Republic of Lithuania and one of or both parents has a permanent residence permit 101 A child under 18 resides in the Republic of Lithuania and one of or both parents has a permanent residence permit 197 Was granted a refugee status 10 Has been living in the Republic of Lithuania for last 5 successive years having a temporary residence permit 145 Grounds provided for in Article 3 of Law of the Republic of Lithuania implementing the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens 54 Arrived for residence as family members with an alien who retained the right to the citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania or is a person of Lithuanian descent and live together 5 Total: 746 Source: Personalization of Identity Documents Centre under the Ministry of the Interior 8.4. Number of aliens who have received permits of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community, by nationality Nationality * European states, including: Belarus Russia Ukraine North American states Central & South American states Australia & Oceania 6 Africans states Asian states Stateless Total: * The table includes only those citizens of the EU/EFTA Member States who had obtained permanent residence permits in the Republic of Lithuania before 30 April Source: Personalization of Identity Documents Centre under the Ministry of the Interior. A Permanent Residence Permit in the Republic of Lithuania may be issued provided that the alien: 1) has retained the right to citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania according to the procedure established by the Law on Citizenship; 2) is a person of Lithuanian descent; 3) has entered into the Republic of Lithuania for residence accompanying a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania as the family member; 4) has lost Lithuanian citizenship but resides in the Republic of Lithuania; 5) is a child under 18 born in the Republic of Lithuania, and one or both of his parents are the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania, whose place of residence is declared in the Republic of Lithuania, or hold a Permanent Residence Permit; 6) is a child under 18 born not in the Republic of Lithuania, and one or both of his parents are the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania, whose place of residence is declared in the Republic of Lithuania, or hold a Permanent Residence Permit; 7) has been granted a refugee status in the Republic of Lithuania; 49

50 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 8) has been living in the Republic of Lithuania for a continuous period of the last 5 years holding a temporary residence permit; 9) in the case provided for in Article 3 of the Law implementing the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens. Family members entering for residence with an alien who has retained the right to citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania according to the procedure established by the Republic of Lithuania Law on Citizenship or is a person of Lithuanian descent, and residing under his roof shall be issued permits of long term residents of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community. Source: Article 53 (1)(7) of the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens of the Republic of Lithuania Number of replaced permits of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community for aliens, by nationality Nationality * European states, including: Belarus Russia Ukraine North American states Central & South American states 3 2 Africans states Asian states, including: Israel Kazakhstan Vietnam Australia & Oceania 1 2 Stateless Total: * The table includes only those citizens of the EU/EFTA Member States who had replaced permanent residence permits in the Republic of Lithuania before 30 April Source: Personalization of Identity Documents Centre under the Ministry of the Interior At the request of an alien a permanent residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania may be replaced in case: 1) the alien changes personal data; 2) a permanent residence permit becomes improper for usage; 3) a permanent residence permit is no longer valid; 4) a permanent residence permit includes false entries; 5) a permanent residence permit is lost. Source: Article 53(2) of Law on the Legal Status of Aliens of the Republic of Lithuania. 50

51 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Issue of a permit of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community to an alien. Flow chart An alien lodges an application for the issue of the permit of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community (hereinafter permanent residence permit) Migration Department Migration Service in the territory of which the alien has declared or intends to declare the residence Archives of the Migration Department Database of the Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau Central Database of Residents Register Database of Aliens Register Data check Departmental records of the Ministry of the Interior Examination of the application for the issue of a Permanent Residence Permit Sending of inquiries Police Department State Security Department Sending of a notice of the decision on the issue of a permanent residence permit Making of decision on issue / refusal of the permit Migration Service Sending of a notice of the decision on refusal to issue of permanent residence permit Migration Service Sending of formed order for issue of a permanent residence permit Personalization of Identity Documents Lodging of an application for making a permanent residence permit official Issued permanent residence permit is passed Taking of the issued permanent residence permit Alien An appeal against the decision taken by the Migration Department Decision of the Migration Department is overturned Court decision Decision of the Migration Department is uphold 51

52 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 8.7. Replacement of a permit of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community to an alien. Flow chart Application of an alien for replacement of the permit of a long term resident of the Republic of Lithuania to reside in the European Community (hereinafter permanent residence permit) Central Database of Residents Register Database of Aliens Register Migration Service in the territory of which the alien has declared or intends to declare the residence Personalization of Identity Documents Centre Migration Service An alien takes the issued permanent residence permit 9. Travel documents of the Republic of Lithuania issued to aliens 9.1. Number of Travel documents issued and extended to stateless persons Total number issued, including: for the first time replaced Extended document s validity Sources: Personalization of Identity Documents Centre under the Ministry of the Interior; Migration Services. Note: Issue of travel documents to stateless persons was started from January A stateless person who is entitled to temporary or permanent residence in the Republic of Lithuania but does not posses a travel document valid in a foreign country may be issued, according to the procedure established by the Minister of the Interior, a travel document of a stateless person provided for in 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons. Source: Article 38 of Law on the Legal Status of Aliens of the Republic of Lithuania. 52

53 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Issue, replacement and extension of a period of validity of Travel documents of stateless persons for stateless persons residing in the Republic of Lithuania. Flow chart Application for the issue, replacement, extension of the period of validity of the travel document Residents Register Migration Service Period of validity of the travel document of a stateless person is extended Personalization of Identity Documents Centre Migration Service Issue, replacement of the travel document of a stateless person In order to obtain or replace a travel document, a stateless person entitled to temporary or permanent residence in the Republic of Lithuania must submit the following documents to the Migration Service according to his/her residence: an application for the issue/replacement of a travel document to a stateless person; a valid residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania; a travel document issued to a stateless person (in case of replacement); a photograph; a document proving payment of the state fee of established rate for issue/replacement (LTL 25) or extension of validity period (LTL 2) of the travel document. To extend a period of validity of a travel document, a stateless person must submit to the Migration Service according to the residence: an application to extend the period of validity of a travel document of a stateless person; a valid residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania; a valid travel document of a stateless person; a receipt of payment of a state fee (LTL 2) for extension of the validity of a travel document. An application for the issue or replacement of a travel document must be examined within one month from the date of lodging an application. In urgent cases the document may be issued within 7 working days from the date of lodging an application. The period of validity of the travel document is extended within 10 working days from the date of lodging an application. Source: Paragraphs 8, 9, 10, 19, 20 and 21 of the Regulations on Issue Travel Documents for Stateless Persons approved by the rule of the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, 24 November Extension of a period of validity of Travel documents of stateless persons for a stateless person staying abroad. Flow chart Application for the extension of the period of validity of the travel document of a stateless person Diplomatic mission or consular post of the Republic of Lithuania Migration Department Residents Register Diplomatic mission or consular post of the Republic of Lithuania Period of validity of the travel document of a stateless person is extended 53

54 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T To extend a period of validity of a travel document of stateless person, a stateless person staying abroad must submit to a diplomatic mission or a consular office of the Republic of Lithuania: an application to extend the period of validity of a travel document of a stateless person; a valid residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania; a valid travel document of a stateless person; a document proving payment of the consular fee of established rate for extension of validity period (EUR 2). The period of validity of the travel document is extended within 10 working days from the date of lodging an application. Source: Paragraphs 10 and 21 of the Regulations on Issue Travel Documents for Stateless Persons approved by the rule of the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, 24 November Number of Travel documents issued, replaced and extended for refugees Issue Replacement The period of validity of the document is extended Source: Migration Services. In order to go abroad a refugee permanently residing in the Republic of Lithuania is issued a refugee travel document following the order established by the Minister of the Interior. Source: Article 89 (3) of Law on the Legal Status of Aliens of the Republic of Lithuania Issue, replacement and extension of a period of validity of a Refugee s travel document. Flow chart In order to obtain, replace or extend the period of validity of a refugee s travel document, an alien who has been granted refugee status in the Republic of Lithuania must submit the following documents to the Migration Service according to his/ her residence: an application for the issue (replacement) or extension of a period of validity of a refugee s travel document; a valid permanent residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania; a refugees travel document in case of replacement or extension of the period of validity; a receipt of payment of the state fee (LTL 25 for issue/replacement, LTL 2 for extension of the period of validity). An application for the issue, replacement or extension of a period of validity of a refugee s travel document must be examined not later than within 15 working days from the date of lodging of the application. A refugee s travel document must be issued/replaced within 15 working days from the date of making a decision on the issue/replacement, while a period of validity must be extended within 5 working days from the date of making a decision to extend a period of validity. Source: Paragraphs 12 and 16 of the Regulations of Issue of Refugee s Travel Document approved by the Order of the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, 7 December Application to issue, replace, extend Refugee s Travel Document Migration Service PDIC Migration Service Refugee s Travel Document 54

55 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Number of aliens passports issued to aliens Issued total, including: for the first time replaced Period of validity of passport extended Sources: Personalization of Identity Documents Centre under the Ministry of the Interior; Migration Services Note. Issuance of aliens passports was started on 15 November Number of aliens passports issued to aliens, by nationality Nationality Aliens Passports Issued Afghanistan Algeria 1 Armenia 1 1 Belarus 1 2 Stateless 4 Ethiopia 2 Iraq Cameroon 2 Pakistan 1 1 Russia Somalia 3 Sri Lanka 1 Zimbabwe 1 Total: Sources: Personalization of Identity Documents Centre under the Ministry of the Interior; Migration Services Note. Issuance of aliensí passports was started on 15 November Issue, replacement and extension of a period of validity of an alien s passport. Flow chart In order to obtain an alien s passport an alien must submit to the Migration Service according to the residence: an application for the issue of an alien s passport; a wellgrounded explanation (in a free form) of objective reasons preventing him/her from obtaining a valid passport of a foreign national or an equivalent travel document (hereinafter Travel Document) from competent authorities of the country of origin and/or documents evidencing that he/she cannot obtain a travel document from competent authorities of the country of origin; a valid residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania; a photograph; a receipt of payment of a state fee (LTL 100). The alien s passport must be issued or replaced within 40 days from the date of receipt of the application by the Migration Service. In order to extend the period of validity of an alien s passport an alien must submit to the Migration Service according to the residence: an application for extension of validity period of an alien s passport; a wellgrounded explanation (in a free form) of objective reasons preventing him/her from obtaining a valid passport of a foreign national or an equivalent travel document (hereinafter Travel Document) from competent authorities of the country of origin and(or) documents evidencing that he/she cannot obtain a travel document from competent authorities of the country of origin; alien s passport; a valid residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania; a receipt of payment of the state fee (LTL 100). 55

56 M I G R A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T The period of validity of an alien s passport must be extended within one month from the date of receipt of the application by the Migration Service. Source: Paragraphs 11, 12, 22 and 23 of the Regulations of issue of Alien s Passport approved by the rule of the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, 10 November Application for the issue/extension/ replacement of alien s passport Migration Service Migration Department PDIC Migration Service Alien s passport 10. Citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania Number of aliens to whom Lithuanian citizenship has been granted, by former nationality Nationality at the time of logging of an application for Lithuanian citizenship Number of persons Armenia Azerbaijan Belarus Bolivia 1 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1 Egypt 1 Georgia Israel Kazakhstan Kyrgyzia 2 Latvia Poland Lebanon Moldova Pakistan 1 Republic of South Africa 1 South Korea 1 Russia Tajikistan 1 Turkey 2 Ukraine Uzbekistan 1 2 Stateless Total: Source: Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania 56

57 M I G R A T I O N Y E A R B O O K Granting of Lithuanian citizenship to an alien. Flow chart OATH IN THE MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR OATH IN CONSULAR POST APPLICATION FOR OATH MIGRATION DEPARTMENT APPLICATION MIGRATION SERVICE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC CONSULAR POST EXTRACT FROM DECREE CITIZENSHIP COMMISSION PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC DECREE BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC Upon submitting an application, a person may be granted citizenship of the Republic Upon submitting an application, a person may be granted citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania, provided that he agrees to take the oath of allegiance to the Republic of Lithuania and meets the following conditions: 1) has passed the official language examination; 2) is a permanent resident of the Republic of Lithuania at the time of filling the application; 3) for the last 10 years has been permanently residing in the territory of the Republic of Lithuania; 4) has a legal source of subsistence in the territory of the Republic of Lithuania; 5) has passed the examination on the basic provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania; 6) is a stateless person or is a citizen of a state under the laws of which he loses citizenship of the said state upon acquiring citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania and notifies in writing of his decision to renounce citizenship of another state held by him after he is granted citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania. Source: Article 12 of Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania. 57