Vilnius to host three protests over migration policy

Three protests over Lithuania’s migration policy are planned in Vilnius on Saturday, LRT reported. They include an anti-immigration rally in Vincas Kudirka Square, a counter-demonstration across the street and an event organised by migrant-rights group Border Group in Lukiškės Square.

The National Association is organising the rally against mass immigration. It says it will call for tougher deportation of foreign nationals convicted of crimes, the closure of migrant employment centres abroad, known as external service centres, and a lower overall quota for migrants allowed into the country.

Activists opposing the rally plan to demonstrate across the street against racism and what they describe as the persecution of migrants and other minorities. They say public rhetoric increasingly portrays migrants as a threat by linking them to crime, competition for jobs and wages, or risks to national security. The organisers argue that such claims can fuel hatred and say migration statistics do not show an uncontrolled crisis in Lithuania.

Border Group is inviting people to discuss migration over coffee in Lukiškės Square. Volunteers will also set up a map where visitors can mark routes taken by themselves or relatives in search of work, safety, love, education or a new life. The group’s director, Emilija Švobaitė, said migration is reflected in many families’ experiences of leaving and returning, finding new homes and maintaining connections across borders.

More than 200 police and Public Security Service officers are expected to work at the protest locations. The Interior Ministry said officers would keep the groups apart, monitor the situation and respond to possible provocations, violence or public-order violations.

According to the Migration Department, 226,999 foreign nationals held residence permits in Lithuania in September. The largest groups were citizens of Ukraine, 80,300; Belarus, 47,800; Russia, 13,200; Uzbekistan, 12,600; and India, 9,400.