Presidential advisor calls for mutual respect amid Kaunas mosque debate

Responding to discussions sparked by a request from the Kaunas mosque to avoid public displays of physical affection near the prayer house, presidential chief advisor Vaidas Augustinavičius has called for mutual respect, LRT reports.

Augustinavičius stressed that while Lithuania has historically accommodated diverse cultures and nationalities, immigrants must also integrate into society by learning the Lithuanian language and respecting local customs.

“This is a two-way process,” he told Žinių Radijas on Tuesday, adding that President Gitanas Nausėda sees a need for stricter control over immigration levels.

On Monday, the president submitted draft laws to the Seimas aimed at tightening immigration policy. Under the proposals, foreign workers would be permitted to work in Lithuania for two years before being required to leave for at least six months.

Augustinavičius noted that Lithuania’s foreign population has already reached 7.5% of the total, a figure he described as significant. “We need to manage this number,” he said, balancing business needs with demographic control.

The debate follows a social media post by the Kaunas mosque administration asking visitors to refrain from overt physical affection on its premises. While the Muslim community said the request was meant to foster respect, it drew criticism, including from politician Vytautas Sinica, who warned of attempts to impose foreign norms in Lithuania.

The proposed legal changes would also streamline work permit procedures for foreign workers in sectors facing labor shortages, such as long-haul drivers and construction workers. Highly skilled workers from third countries would face no residency restrictions.