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On March 11, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kaunas celebrated the 35th anniversary of Lithuania’s Restoration of Independence together with persons of Lithuanian descent relocated from Venezuela and their family members. During the meeting, ministry representatives answered questions, while the Lithuanians who found new homes in Kaunas shared their experiences, joys, and concerns.
“Our goal is to ensure that all Lithuanians planning to return from abroad receive the necessary information and, once returned, feel safe and able to contribute to the country’s well-being,” said Tadas Kubilius, Head of the Return to Lithuania Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Thanks to Lithuania’s diplomatic efforts, a total of 136 persons of Lithuanian descent and their family members relocated from politically and economically crisis-stricken Venezuela to Lithuania. The Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Spain organized the travel of each relocated person from Venezuela to Vilnius. The Reception and Integration Agency ensured the families’ integration in Lithuania, working closely with social support departments of Lithuanian municipalities, the Employment Service under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania, and representatives of other competent institutions.
“Lithuania is our dream country. We never would have believed that we would one day celebrate March 11 — the Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence Day — on the land of our parents and grandparents,” said the Lithuanians. They returned to Lithuania under the 2019 Lithuanian law on the relocation of persons entitled to restore Lithuanian citizenship, and their family members, from a foreign state or part thereof affected by a humanitarian crisis to permanently live in Lithuania. Although they faced many cultural differences, had to learn the language, handle documents, find work, and settle in new homes, the Lithuanians and their families who came from Venezuela are grateful for the opportunity to start a new life in Lithuania with an optimistic outlook.
The relocation to Lithuania law, effective since 2019, provides persons of Lithuanian descent and their family members with the opportunity to come to Lithuania and start a new life after all their hardships, receiving support to integrate into Lithuanian society.
Since 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ consultation center “Grįžtu LT” has been providing one-stop information services to Lithuanians returning, arriving, or considering returning.