World Refugee Survey 2003 Country Report
At the end of 2003, Lithuania hosted about 130 refugees and asylum seekers in need of protection, including about 130 asylum seekers with pending cases and 3 persons granted asylum during the year.
During the year, about 640 persons applied, including 480 from Russia (mostly Chechens) and 25 each from Afghanistan and India. Of the 770 cases decided in 2003, Lithuania granted 3 in the first instance. About 420 (mostly Chechens) were granted temporary residence and 56 persons were rejected in initial asylum determinations. The Migration Department closed the applications of 230 asylum seekers who abandoned their claims.
New Developments In August, the government passed a new law on the legal status of aliens providing for a new institution to implement asylum procedures. The law is due to be implemented by May 2004, when Lithuania joins the European Union.
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance reported that conditions in the Foreigners’ Registration Center in Pabrade had improved during the year and that asylum seekers were accommodated separately from criminals.
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