| Abstract [eng] |
Migration is a dynamic and complex phenomenon, posing various social, demographic, and political challenges to host countries. The International Organization for Migration reports that currently 3.6 percent of the world's population has migrated and predicts that migration will significantly increase in the future. The main reasons for migration are economic, political, social, and environmental factors. War refugees, especially from Syria and Ukraine, present additional challenges to host countries, requiring swift and effective solutions for accommodation, integration, and protection. The aim of this master's thesis is to examine the migration policy implemented towards war refugees from Ukraine and Syria in Lithuania. Qualitative document analysis revealed that Lithuania applies different admission conditions and grants different legal status to refugees from these two countries. Temporary protection is provided quickly and effectively to Ukrainian refugees, while Syrian refugees must undergo a longer asylum application process. As a result, Ukrainian war refugees receive faster social and economic support, including the right to work and access to healthcare and education services, whereas Syrian refugees face a longer waiting period and more limited assistance. Due to the different definition of war refugees, legal challenges arise, hindering equal rights protection. Syrians find it more difficult to integrate into society due to the longer asylum process, increased social isolation, and greater difficulty accessing the job market, making them more dependent on social assistance. To improve Lithuania's migration policy, two main recommendations are proposed. Firstly, there is a need to create a clearer and more consistent legal framework ensuring equal admission and integration conditions for all war refugees, regardless of their country of origin. This would help prevent discrimination and ensure fair treatment for all refugees. Secondly, the support system should be strengthened by providing refugees not only with essential assistance but also with long-term integration support, such as language training, assistance in integrating into the job market, and social services. These measures would ensure a more successful adaptation and integration of war refugees into Lithuanian society. |
