By Žygintas Abromaitis, LRT TV, LRT.lt.

Members of the Seimas National Security and Defence Committee (NSGK) say Lithuania should tighten rules for incoming migrant workers, both on language requirements and security screening, as this year’s work permit quota is set to be exhausted by the end of November.

Nearly 25,000 foreign workers have arrived in Lithuania this year, most from Central Asia, to fill jobs in the transportation, logistics and construction sectors.

Although November is only halfway through, the annual quota for third-country workers has nearly been reached.

According to Migration Department Director Evelina Gudzinskaitė, the department’s current verification procedures are insufficient given rising security risks.

“Some may genuinely come here without bad intentions, but once in the country, they can begin forming networks and engaging in activities hostile to the state,” Gudzinskaitė said. “Of course, this is monitored mainly by other agencies, but the Migration Department conducts control measures within its area of competence.”

Read more: LRT.LT