Mar 18 • 05:29 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

VSAT: unreturned illegal migrants at the Belarusian border

Lithuanian authorities report ongoing challenges with illegal migrants from Belarus, with significant numbers being denied entry over the past year and a similar trend continuing this year.

Recent reports from Lithuania indicate that illegal migration from Belarus remains a pressing issue, as highlighted by the State Border Guard Service (VSAT). On a recent Tuesday, Latvian border officials denied entry to 22 migrants, while Polish authorities reported no new arrivals on the previous Monday. These actions are part of a broader effort to control illegal crossings at Lithuania's border, as authorities noted that over 1,600 individuals were prevented from entering Lithuania from Belarus last year, while the number has dropped to 52 so far this year.

Since the beginning of the migration crisis sparked by Belarus, Lithuania has denied entry to a total of 24,600 illegal migrants. The influx began in 2021, with Western governments accusing the Minsk regime of orchestrating this crisis to exert political pressure on the European Union. As various border control methods are employed, the situation remains fluid, with neighboring countries like Latvia and Poland also facing similar challenges at their borders.

The implications of this ongoing migration issue extend beyond the immediate concerns of border control. It raises discussions around international law, humanitarian responses, and the diplomatic relationships between EU members and Belarus. The accusations against the Belarusian government suggest a strategic use of migration as a tool for influence, making the resolution of this crisis crucial not just for national security but for wider geopolitical stability in the region.

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