Nausėda on Wednesday proposed a circular migration system: a two-year work permit after which migrants must leave and can reapply only after six months.
“It is a very good idea. In this way we do not create the prospect of long-term ties with the possibility of bringing their families,” Kasčiūnas told Žinių radijas on Friday. “I believe this proposal will gather a lot of support from the TS-LKD.”
According to the cosnervative MP, there is reluctance to adopt additional measures, such as requiring migrants to meet certain conditions before bringing family members to Lithuania.
“Some will soon have the right to family reunification, which is provided for in the European directive, which we cannot change. But we can offer safeguards,” Kasčiūnas said.
“I have proposed a safeguard – if adult family members, for example from Uzbekistan, wanted to come to Lithuania, they would have to know the state language before entering. Such a safeguard would allow us to de facto restrict the right to family reunification. Unfortunately, there is no will to make such a decision here,” he noted.
Under the plan proposed by Nausėda, foreign nationals would be allowed to work for a specific employer within set quotas, could not change jobs, and must leave the country for at least six months after a maximum of two years.
The presidency said the scheme targets migrants coming specifically for work. Over time, they would not gain the right to family reunification or be eligible to apply for resident status.
The measure would mainly target sectors employing lower-skilled workers, such as construction, logistics and social services, Nausėda’s chief security adviser, Deividas Matulionis, said earlier this week.