Lithuanian Interior Minister Proposes Banning Self-Employment Status for Foreign Students

Lithuania's Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas has proposed barring foreign students from obtaining self-employed status. He argues that some foreigners use student visas to get into the country and work rather than to study. The proposal has drawn objections from universities and from a member of parliament.

The minister's arguments

According to Katelynas, some students attend only as many lectures as needed to keep their residence permits. Employers and universities also benefit from the current arrangement, since higher enrolment brings institutions extra income. Lecturers have reportedly said that some migrants show up only for exams and ask for a grade high enough to keep their permit.

The minister explained that European Union directives do not allow Lithuania to ban foreign students from working altogether, but setting self-employment rules is a national matter. The status allows more flexible work than a standard employment contract. Students would still be able to work under a regular contract, though in practice that would be almost impossible because employers are reluctant to sign permanent or part-time contracts with students.

Figures and inspections

Data from Lithuania's Migration Department show that short-term residence permits have been granted to more than 230,000 foreigners, of whom about 12,000, or 5%, came to study. Most international students are from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Morocco and Belarus.

Last year the department inspected higher education institutions and found students who were not attending required classes. It also found that institutions had not reported students' study breaks on time, which can be grounds for revoking a permit. Department director Indre Gasperė says institutions now report more carefully, and failure to report can lead to fines.

Objections

MP Eugenijus Gentvilas questioned whether the restrictions are justified, since foreign students make up a small share of immigrants, and urged naming the institutions where violations were found. Edgaras Genys, a representative of the private Kazimieras Simonavičius University, said attendance has improved since the rules were tightened, but warned that limiting job options could make Lithuania less attractive. The Lithuanian Universities Rectors' Conference also objects.

Tanzid, a student from Bangladesh at Vilnius College, says he combines studies and work, but finds it hard to get a regular job while studying.