Lithuania’s Seimas has expanded the list of people who may be subject to polygraph testing to include foreigners undergoing a national security threat assessment, Lrt reports. The amendments were supported by 81 lawmakers, four voted against, and 14 abstained. The new rules may be applied when reviewing applications for obtaining or renewing a residence permit. In addition to foreigners, the law also applies to employees of defense industry companies and candidates for intelligence positions.

According to the adopted law, polygraph testing will not become mandatory for all foreigners, but will be used in cases where checks are carried out by the State Security Department at the request of migration authorities.

The polygraph is regarded as one of the tools for verifying the reliability of information. “The decision must be made taking into account all information about the applicant. A negative polygraph result in itself will not mean an automatic refusal: the decision must be made based on all available information about the person and their surroundings. But refusal to take a polygraph will have much harsher consequences,” the Volna project notes. The amendments state that in such a case the authorities may conclude that the applicant poses a threat to national security. As a result, the applicant may be denied the granting or renewal of the right to reside in Lithuania.

The measure was adopted amid Lithuania’s tightening of controls over foreigners after the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Restrictions have already been introduced for Russian citizens when obtaining residence permits, and Russians entering the country undergo additional screening. In April, the Seimas extended the current restrictions until the end of 2027. Lithuania also has restrictions on the purchase of real estate by Russian citizens without a Lithuanian residence permit. Lithuanian authorities explain these measures as necessary to reduce the risks of sanctions evasion and to enhance security in the context of the war.