Effective June 1, Ms. Aurelija Makauskienė assumed the role of Head of the Vilnius Office of the International Organization for Migration (IOM Lithuania). 

Ms. Makauskienė is an experienced staff that has been working with IOM since 2009. Over the past six years, she has led  European Migration Network in Lithuania unit, contributing significantly to its mission and operations. 

From 2021 to 2024, the Vilnius Office was led by Eitvydas Bingelis, who now serves as Vice-Minister of Social Security and Labour. 

“Lithuania is an important member of IOM, contributing significantly to a region facing numerous geopolitical issues. I am pleased that our team will continue to be led by highly qualified staff, ensuring continuity and readiness for new challenges," said Mr. Gianluca Rocco, Director of the EEA+ Sub-Region. “Aurelija Makauskienė has long been a valued member of our organization, and I am confident that, with the strong support of her team, she will continue to advance IOM’s meaningful and impactful work in Lithuania.” 

IOM has been active in Lithuania since 1998. As an intergovernmental organization, IOM works with international partners to address contemporary migration challenges, provide expert guidance on migration policy, promote social and economic development, and ensure the well-being of all migrants. With a presence in more than 175 countries, IOM officially joined the United Nations system in 2016.