Lithuania tightens immigration process

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite approved on Wednesday legislation tightening the issuance of permissions to live in Lithuania amid efforts to strengthen national security.

Grybauskaite signed the amendments of the law on the legal status of foreigners in Lithuania, which tightens the issuance of permissions to live in Lithuania, announced the president's office.

The amendments, initiated by the president, stipulate that authorities responsible for state and public security will now have to provide the migration department with their findings on persons asking for permission to live in Lithuania.

According to the president, the amendments are aimed at strengthening national security in Lithuania and ensuring responsible process of issuing permission to live in the country.

"The president highlights that Lithuania is open to people willing to live and work honestly in our country, though the process of issuing permissions should meet the country's interests and ensure public security," said the office in an announcement.

According to the office, the amendments are to prevent those breaking the law in foreign countries from hiding in Lithuania.

The amended law will come into force as of Sept. 1.

More than 10,000 permissions to live in Lithuania had been issued in the first half of this year, equaling to the number for the whole 2014, according to the office.

Meanwhile, around 200 applications had been rejected, more than 300 permissions had been cancelled and more than 700 people had been deported from Lithuania during the first half year.