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First Russian Citizen Loses Temporary Residency in Lithuania Over Frequent Trips to Russia

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Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko
Dariia Mykhailenko
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First Russian Citizen Loses Temporary Residency in Lithuania Over Frequent Trips to Russia
A Lithuanian border guard checks the personal details of a man at the border crossing from Russia to Lithuaniaon September 8, 2023. (Source: Getty Images)

Lithuania has revoked the temporary residence permit of a Russian citizen over repeated trips to Russia and Belarus—violations of new restrictions that came into force in May.

As reported by LRT on Jule 3, citing the Lithuanian Migration Department, this marks the first case under a new Lithuanian law that bans Russian nationals from traveling to either country more than once every three months. Thirty similar cases are currently under investigation.

According to Migration Department, 34 Russian citizens have been flagged as potentially violating the regulation, which was introduced in response to Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.

The law empowers Lithuanian authorities to cancel residence permits for Russian citizens who cross into Russia or Belarus more than once within any 90-day period.

There are exceptions. The rule does not apply to transport workers engaged in international cargo or passenger transit to or from the EU—or through Lithuanian territory. These individuals must present proof of employment, such as a company-issued certificate.

Officials say none of the individuals currently under investigation qualify for this exemption.

In May alone, 292 Russian nationals crossed Lithuania’s borders with Russia or Belarus more than once. However, most fell under legally permitted categories.

Earlier, Lithuania announced new security measures at its state border in response to ongoing provocations from Belarus.

The Cabinet approved a proposal from the Ministry of the Interior introducing stricter controls at specific border checkpoints. The decision comes amid heightened concerns over national security, driven by a surge in illegal migration and evolving tactics employed by Belarusian intelligence and border agencies.

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