The majority (77%) of the country's population has encountered migrants from third countries in Lithuania over the past two years. Of these, 26% have had direct contact with migrants, while 51% have noticed them but without any personal interaction. A significant portion of respondents (84%) reported that their experiences involved war refugees from Ukraine. Slightly less than half (43%) had encountered Belarusian migrants fleeing persecution from the regime—a figure that has risen by 10% compared to last year, increasing from 33% to 43%. Additionally, 37% have encountered labor migrants from Central Asia, representing a 13% increase. Encounters with migrants from the Middle East were reported by 34%, while 12% encountered migrants entering Lithuania via the Lithuanian-Belarusian border. These findings were reported in a survey conducted by Spinter and commissioned by IOM Lithuania.

The survey revealed that attitudes toward migrants are largely shaped by personal experiences, with half of the respondents (50%) citing this as the primary influence. Additionally, 23% stated that their views were influenced by information in mass media, 20% by social media, and only 3% by politicians' speeches.

"We now have more than 74,000 Ukrainians in Lithuania, so it is natural that they are the group we encounter the most. It should be noted that Ukrainians are viewed most favorably—nearly 7 out of 10 respondents have a positive view of them—compared to migrants from other countries," said Eitvydas Bingelis, Head of IOM Lithuania. "Although attitudes toward migrants have generally worsened, Ukrainians are still perceived positively, which suggests they are integrating well into Lithuanian society by learning the language, working as employees, or starting their own businesses."

Belarusian migrants are the second most favored group (5/10), followed by labor migrants from Central Asia (4.83/10). Migrants from the Middle East ranked next (4.13/10), with migrants entering via the Lithuanian-Belarusian border in 2021 receiving the lowest favorability score (3.73/10).

The survey also showed that three out of four respondents (76%) are in favor of accepting Ukrainian war refugees in Lithuania: 25% strongly support this, while 47% are somewhat in favor. Conversely, 19% oppose the idea, with 12% somewhat disagreeing and 7% strongly disagreeing. "It is encouraging that an overwhelming majority (91%) of the population believes Ukrainian refugees should have equal rights to health care, social security, and other services as Lithuanian citizens. Ukrainians pay taxes, so they should have equal access to these services," added Bingelis.

When asked about integration, 65% of respondents emphasized the importance of organizing Lithuanian language courses for Ukrainians, an increase of 8% from last year (57%). Assistance with paperwork was highlighted by 40%, followed by measures such as organizing children’s education and extracurricular activities (31%) and providing labor market services, vocational training, and competency assessments (29%).

Regarding support for Ukrainians, the most favored forms of assistance included one-off settlement allowances (53%), benefits for people with disabilities (52%, up from 47%), social assistance for schoolchildren (46%), and child benefits (44%).

However, some Lithuanians expressed concerns about the level of support Ukrainians receive. Of those who disagreed with financial and social support measures, 59% (up from 46%) argued that the state has already done enough to help Ukrainians. Additionally, 57% (down from 67%) believed Ukrainians receive more support than Lithuanians, and 49% (up from 36%) felt Ukrainians should take care of their own needs.

Half (50%) of respondents believed that Ukrainian war refugees who have learned the language and secured jobs should be allowed to stay in Lithuania after the war. Another 34% had no objection to Ukrainians remaining if they wished. Meanwhile, 10% believed Ukrainians should leave Lithuania after the war.

"This is the second consecutive year we have conducted this survey, allowing us to compare changes in Lithuanian attitudes toward migrants, especially Ukrainians," said Bingelis. "The core attitudes remain unchanged: Lithuanians continue to view Ukrainians most favorably, but they also expect them to integrate more, learn the language, and secure employment. With many Ukrainians now living in Lithuania for three years, there is a growing expectation for greater involvement."