The majority (77%) of the country's population has encountered migrants from third countries in Lithuania in the last 2 years: 26% have had direct contact with them, 51% have noticed them, but have not had any personal contact. The vast majority of respondents (89%) indicated that their experience with migrants was with war refugees from Ukraine. A third (33%) had encountered Belarusian migrants and a quarter (24%) had encountered labour migrants from Central Asia. 18% have encountered migrants from the Middle East. 12% encountered migrants entering Lithuania through the Lithuanian-Belarusian border, according to a survey conducted by Spinter for IOM Lithuania.

"We now have more than 50,000 Ukrainians in Lithuania, so it is only natural that we have to deal with them the most. It should be noted that they are viewed most favourably, almost 8 out of 10, compared to other migrants coming to Lithuania. This means that Ukrainians are well integrated into Lithuanian society, and at the same time they are welcomed by Lithuanians," says Eitvydas Bingelis, Head of IOM Lithuania. Labour migrants from Central Asia are the second most favoured group (5.20 / 10). The third most favoured are migrants from Belarus (5.15 / 10). The next most popular are migrants from the Middle East (4.43 / 10) and migrants who will enter Lithuania through the Lithuanian-Belarusian border in 2021 (4.13 / 10).

The survey shows that three out of four (76%) respondents are in favour of accepting Ukrainian war refugees in Lithuania: 30% - strongly in favour, and 46% - rather in favour. However, 17% of respondents are of the opposite opinion: 11% rather disagree and 6% strongly disagree. "Ukrainians from higher income groups and cities are most likely to support the integration of Ukrainians, while those from lower income groups and smaller towns believe that Ukrainians should leave when it is safe in their country. However, it is worth noting that the results of the survey are very good, with Lithuanians having a very favourable view of Ukrainians living in the country. The majority also thinks that Ukrainians should integrate more in our country, but at the same time agrees that they should be helped. In general, Ukrainians are seen as hard-working people, which is something that Lithuanians sympathise with, as hard-work is defined as one of the strongest positive characteristics in the Lithuanian value system. Most war refugees of working age have entered the labour market and have a fixed income," says Bingelis.

In the opinion of the Lithuanian population, the main means of integration of Ukrainians are the organisation of Lithuanian language courses (57%) and assistance in dealing with documents (47%). This is followed by the organisation of children's education and non-formal education classes (29%), assistance in finding housing or free accommodation (26%), labour market services, vocational training, assessment of competences (25%), free psychological counselling (22%), and recognition of qualifications (20%).
Respondents are most in favour (57%) of a one-off settlement allowance for Ukrainians. There is also a significant support for assistance and benefits for people with disabilities (47%), social assistance for school pupils (44%) and child benefits (42%).

Half (49%) of the survey participants agree that Ukrainian war refugees who have learnt the language and found jobs could stay in Lithuania after the war. 36% of respondents do not object to Ukrainian citizens staying if they so wish. However, one in ten believe that Ukrainians should leave Lithuania after the war.
 "Despite sometimes negative experiences, the presence of Ukrainian war refugees in Lithuania does not cause major tensions. In the opinion of the Lithuanian population, this is due to the solidarity felt by Lithuanians with Ukrainians, the absence of a pronounced language barrier and, most importantly, the involvement of the majority of Ukrainians in the labour market," says Bingelis.