After the bill proposed by MP Kęstutis Masiulis was approved for discussion last week, it will now go to parliamentary committees.
“We have two major problems in our state that we cannot cope with – emigration and loss of regions. After analysis of history I have found experiences of some countries, which are positive experiences. Israel and Ireland are two countries we should learn from,” Masiulis said in the presentation of the bill.
Masiulis said he did not think the bill would lure emigrants from Germany, Sweden or Norway, suggesting to turn back to Venezuela, Russia and countries in central Asia.
Egidijus Vareikis of the ruling Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union asked about the safeguards that would prevent Lithuania from attracting too many refugees.
Masiulis replied that the law would stipulate a requirement for citizenship or merits for Lithuania, giving an example that the law could benefit, for instance, individuals who served as interpreters for Lithuanian troops in Afghanistan.