Lithuanian interior minister says other ministries and municipalities responsible for foreigner integration

Lithuania’s interior minister, Vladislavas Kondratovičius, has stated that responsibility for integrating foreigners lies with other government ministries and local municipalities, not his own department, public broadcaster LRT reports.

Responding to a proposal by Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas to require temporary foreign residents to demonstrate A2-level Lithuanian language proficiency after three years, Kondratovičius clarified the division of responsibilities in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

“The interior ministry’s role is border control—ensuring only those with legal grounds enter the country,” the minister said. “Integration, including language skills and respect for traditions, falls under the culture ministry and the social security and labour ministry. Most importantly, municipalities are responsible for implementing integration at the local level.”

Kondratovičius emphasised that his ministry would continue to focus on national security and strict selection at the border, while expecting municipalities to deliver concrete results in ensuring foreigners respect the language and integrate properly.

Last week, the minister told journalists that foreigners should be required to speak the state language after five years of residence. He also noted Vilnius’s unique position as a destination for incoming workers, while overall migration numbers to Lithuania have not increased.

According to Vilnius municipality data, the capital is home to 76,000 foreigners, 61,000 of whom are non-EU citizens. Benkunskas has highlighted that temporary residents currently lack legal incentives to learn Lithuanian.

The Seimas has been debating amendments proposed by conservative leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas that would require foreigners to learn Lithuanian after five years if they wish to extend their residence permits. President Gitanas Nausėda has also suggested reforms to speed up work permits for immigrants, prioritising two-year issuance.

Migration Department figures from early March show 189,000 foreigners currently hold temporary residence permits in Lithuania.