Lithuanian MPs approve residence permit extension for Belarusian exiles

December 26, Pozirk. The Lithuanian Seimas has approved amendments extending the validity of residence permits issued to Belarusian nationals on humanitarian grounds from one to three years, LRT reported.

The amendment is important for the Belarusian opposition and for more than 750 Belarusians who fled to Lithuania fearing politically-motivated persecution in Belarus, said MP Žygimantas Pavilionis who heads a parliamentary group in support of a democratic Belarus.

The Seimas forwarded the amendments for approval to President Gitanas Nausėda.

Interior minister Agnė Bilotaitė proposed the extension, noting that the move would help Lithuanian authorities reduce expenses and eliminate bureaucratic inconveniences for Belarusian political emigrants.

The national security committee in the Lithuanian parliament opposed the move. On December 4, its head Laurynas Kasčiūnas and two other MPs submitted a proposal on new restrictions for Belarusian nationals to the Seimas.