Lithuania suspends the acceptance of applications for citizenship of the republic from citizens of Russia and Belarus. According to RBC, the Seimas adopted a package of restrictive measures against Russians and Belarusians due to hostilities in Ukraine.
113 parliamentarians voted for the adoption of the document, none spoke against, nine abstained.
The bill still has to pass the second reading.
Among other measures is a temporary ban on the purchase of real estate in Lithuania, except in cases where citizens have a residence permit in the country.
In addition, the country suspends the acceptance of applications for visas, including national visas, at the Lithuanian visa services abroad, except when documents are submitted through the mediation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as for the issuance of a residence permit in Lithuania (except for citizens of Russia and Belarus who have a valid Schengen or a national visa or a residence permit in the country / in the EU).
The initiative was initiated by Minister of the Interior Agne Bilotaite and head of the Seimas Committee on National Security and Defense Laurynas Kasciunas. They explained that it was only a matter of suspending the acceptance of applications and decisions on citizenship.
Source: Rosbalt
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