Lithuanian institutions pledge to address shortcomings in migrant accommodation centres

Lithuanian institutions are preparing a plan to implement recommendations after the Seimas Ombudsmen’s Office identified shortcomings in the provision of information, freedom of movement, and material support for illegal migrants in accommodation centres, LRT reports.

The deficiencies were found in the Reception and Integration Agency’s (PIIA) Pabradė Reception Centre and the State Border Guard Service’s (VSAT) Foreigners’ Registration Centre, according to a report published this week by the Seimas Ombudsmen’s Institution. Both institutions have committed to addressing the issues.

Inspections revealed that some foreigners lacked clear information about their rights and obligations, the applicable regime, and the possibility of submitting complaints or requests. Information was not always provided systematically, in all relevant languages, or in a manner understandable to the foreigners. The language barrier was particularly evident in the provision of healthcare, psychological, and social services, where communication often relied on translation apps or other foreigners.

Ombudsmen positively noted that information was provided to foreigners not only in writing but also through digital means—QR codes, the InfoDesk App information app, and the VERTIS translation program. However, some foreigners were unaware of these tools, had not been informed about the possibility of downloading or using them, or found that some QR codes did not work or directed them to information of varying scope in different languages.

According to the ombudsmen, it is essential to ensure not only the preparation of information in various languages but also practical explanations on how to access it for each newly arrived person, as posting notices on bulletin boards or digital tools alone does not guarantee this.

Seimas Ombudsman Erika Leonaitė emphasised that the right to receive information is one of the most important guarantees protecting individuals from arbitrary restrictions on their freedom. “Without it, a person practically cannot defend their rights, and limited access to mobile phones and other communication devices further narrows the possibilities of contacting family members, non-governmental organisations, or other individuals who can organise help,” Leonaitė stated.

Inspections also revealed cases where the freedom of movement of foreigners was “particularly intensely” restricted. Under quarantine conditions, foreigners were locked in rooms without the possibility of going outside for a walk, and isolation periods in some cases lasted longer than 48 hours. Although the internal rules of the Foreigners’ Registration Centre provide for the possibility of walking outside three times a day for two hours, foreigners in isolation told inspectors they could spend only about one hour outdoors daily.

Some foreigners accommodated at the Pabradė Reception Centre, for whom a court had appointed an alternative measure to detention, had never left the centre’s territory because they were either not granted permits to do so or were not properly informed about the conditions under which such permits could be obtained. Additionally, their freedom of movement was restricted as a collective punishment due to disorder and smoking in rooms and common areas.

The report also highlights challenges in ensuring adequate material conditions as the number of accommodated persons changes. Migrants interviewed at the Pabradė Reception Centre reported lacking seasonal clothing and footwear. Some staff members stated that seasonal outerwear was issued upon request, but the interviewed foreigners were unaware of this possibility. Others noted that the increased number of migrants had led to a shortage of seasonal clothing in storage.

While most rooms and common areas were equipped with the necessary furniture and appliances, there was a lack of utensils, cooking tools, and cups.