The Reception and Integration Agency has introduced two new integration programs for foreigners, which will help ensure high quality and uniformity of integration services throughout Lithuania.
The socio-cultural training program is designed to familiarize foreigners with the legal acts and history of the Lithuanian state, as well as societal norms. The Mental Health Program defines a minimum set of services that would ensure early assistance to foreigners experiencing psychological difficulties. "The measures presented today establish a systematic approach to the integration of foreigners. Professionally prepared programs become available to all municipalities and create the prerequisites for providing equal, high-quality and consistent assistance to everyone who comes to our country," says Deimante Bukeikaite, Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Social Security and Labour.
The ministry is allocating 12 million euros of European Union funds until 2028 for the implementation of new measures and other integration services in municipalities: state language teaching, counseling and representation, and mentoring. "Until now, integration has mostly been carried out in a fragmented manner: on the initiative of individual organisations and using their chosen methods," says Gediminas Pocius, Director of the Reception and Integration Agency . "Now, experts in their fields have prepared comprehensive measures that systematize the best experience of ours and the Nordic countries. This is a fundamental step in developing the integration system for foreigners in Lithuania."
The programs, taking into account current needs, are designed for the integration of Ukrainians, but are also applicable to those arriving from other regions. The Agency will act as a centre of excellence during the implementation of the programmes: will conduct lecturer training, will provide consultations, will bring implementing people into an experience sharing network. The programs were developed by two national expert groups in collaboration with colleagues from Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark .
The project was strengthened by the Ministry of Social Security and Labour and expert input from the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The project "Enhancing Psychological Resilience and Sociocultural Knowledge of Refugees from Ukraine Who Have Left the War" is funded by the European Economic Area and the Norwegian Financial Mechanisms.