January 24, BPN. Authorities consider for allowing some political émigrés to return Alaksandr Łukašenka said as he instructed officials to set up a commission to screen those who comes back for loyalty to his regime.
Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians fled their country in fear of political reprisals as the regime continues its relentless crackdown on dissent.
“We should make a step towards those who made a mistake and have come to regret about it,” his press office’s unofficial Telegram channel quoted him as saying.
“Obviously, our enemies will keep these people from returning home in every way possible,” he noted. “Ordinary people will always be a battering ram against the state and a constant source of personal financial well-being for the fugitives who sell the interests of the people.”
“Those who continued destructive activities against our country with the support of Western secret services will answer before the law,” Łukašenka warned.
Some of the dissidents based abroad are reportedly hoping to use force and create illegal paramilitary groups, he noted, stressing that “in this case, there is no way back for them.”
Lithuania’s Migration Department registered 48,800 Belarusians legally residing in the country as of late 2022, the Lithuanian interior ministry reported.
As of late November 2022, a total of 68,684 Belarusians resided in Poland with proper legal permits, according to Polish authorities.
Other destinations include Armenia, Estonia, Germany, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Latvia and Ukraine. The exodus, including of high-skilled and well-paid professionals, has had a negative impact on the Belarusian economy and government finances.
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