Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war continue to come to Lithuania. However, they face some difficulties during the move. Find out what aspects affect the integration of Ukrainians in this country

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About 100 Ukrainian refugees arrive in Lithuania every week. The state and NGOs provide financial, social and psychological support to the migrants, but it remains difficult for Ukrainians to find housing and adapt to life in a foreign country, LRT writes.

Ukrainian refugees in Lithuania

Every day, about 100 Ukrainian refugees arrive in Lithuania, forced to seek a safe life because of the war. Bożena Zaborovska-Zdanowicz, a representative of the International Organisation for Migration in Lithuania, spoke about the difficulties faced by newcomers and the specifics of the assistance provided to them.

Challenges for newly arrived refugees

Ukrainian refugees often arrive in Lithuania without a clear plan, with only minimal belongings and a backpack. The main challenge for them is to find temporary accommodation and understand how to take their first steps in a foreign country. According to Bożena Zaborowska-Zdanowicz, the main reasons for moving are the search for safety, war fatigue, the need for medical care or the creation of comfortable conditions for children.

‘We hear many stories of people coming with small children or elderly parents. They want to ensure safety, comfort and access to education,’ she said.

Financial, social and psychological support

Newly arrived Ukrainians receive a one-time payment of EUR 176 per person if they arrived in Lithuania less than a month ago. In addition, municipalities provide basic support, and NGOs help them find housing and adapt to new conditions.

However, financial assistance is not the only need. Representatives of the International Organisation for Migration note a growing demand for psychological support. At the beginning of the war, this problem was less urgent, but now Ukrainians are increasingly turning to centres for advice and assistance.

‘There are many people who are unable to work due to circumstances: the elderly, mothers with small children or people with health problems. They call and ask for help because they don't have enough money for rent or utilities,’ explains Zaborovska-Zdanovych.

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Language adaptation and integration

Ukrainians who plan to stay in Lithuania are increasingly seeking to learn Lithuanian. Previously, about 30% of refugees enrolled in language courses, but now this figure has increased to 65%. The courses are organised free of charge twice a year to facilitate the adaptation of newcomers.

Difficulties with renting accommodation

Finding accommodation remains a challenge. A survey conducted by the Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman showed that landlords in Lithuania have many prejudices. Only 46% of respondents are ready to rent to Ukrainians, which is significantly less than at the beginning of the war.

Audrius Gudanavicius, President of the Lithuanian Association of Real Estate Agencies, emphasises that most of the rental market is concentrated in the private sector, where apartment owners focus on the solvency of their clients.

‘Ukrainians are not always in the first place among tenants. Most often, housing is rented to Lithuanians without children and animals or to foreigners from embassies who can offer higher rents,’ Gudanavičius explained.

He also noted that programmes encouraging Lithuanians to rent to Ukrainians may not be effective enough.

The need for long-term solutions

Experts emphasise that the state should develop the rental housing market by attracting professional landlords. This will help stabilise the situation and create more opportunities for refugees in need of assistance.

We remind you! The Lithuanian authorities will provide financial assistance to Ukrainian refugees who arrived in the country to escape the war. We told you about the one-off payment and which categories of people are eligible.

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