Lithuanian officials are proposing to reduce the maximum working hours for foreign students from 40 to 20 hours per week as part of legislation aimed at strengthening control over their employment.
In a recent announcement, Lithuania's Deputy Minister G. Aliksandravičius revealed that proposed legislative changes are set to be discussed in the spring session of the Seimas. The key aspect of these changes includes the reduction of allowable working hours for foreign students from the current 40 to 20 hours per week. The intention behind this proposal is to address concerns regarding foreign students potentially exploiting work allowances while ensuring they remain focused on their academic commitments.
The proposed legislation will not only regulate the number of hours students are permitted to work but also include provisions for stricter oversight by higher education institutions regarding students' attendance and academic performance. The Deputy Minister expressed confidence that these measures would mitigate concerns raised about student compliance with work hour regulations and enhance the management of foreign student employment in the country.
Additionally, platforms involved in food delivery and ridesharing services will also be required to monitor and manage the working hours of foreign students. This reflects a broader effort within Lithuania to create a balance between accommodating foreign students' economic needs and safeguarding their primary focus on education, amidst ongoing discussions about migration policy in the country.
