Such measures were necessary given the increasing number of foreigners living in the country, Agne Bilotaite, the interior minister, said as she announced the new rules.

Lithuanian employers would be required to hold the necessary licenses and report any changes in the data under the new rules. Employers would be obliged to offer full-time positions while foreign workers would have to disclose information about their qualifications and experience.

They would also not be permitted to work for no more than four employers. Only foreigners who hold a valid residence permit will be permitted to work in Lithuania. “This means that employment will not be possible under the visa-free regime or on a Schengen visa.”