Lithuanian minister opposes president's proposal on foreign worker permits

Lithuania's Interior Minister, Martynas Katelynas, has voiced opposition to President Gitanas Nausėda's proposal to limit the work permits for foreigners to two years. Under the proposed policy, individuals would be required to leave the country for six months after their two-year term concludes.

The initiative is intended for temporary workers, such as long-haul truck drivers and construction laborers. However, the Minister of Social Security and Labor has also expressed criticism, suggesting that such a regulation could foster short-term employment relationships rather than long-term stability.

This proposal comes amidst ongoing discussions about labor migration and the integration of foreign workers into the Lithuanian economy. The differing views between the ministries and the presidency highlight the complexities of balancing economic needs with potential social and labor market impacts.