Since the beginning of the year, foreigners working in the service sector in Lithuania have been required to have basic knowledge of the Lithuanian language, but the implementation of the rules in reality has been slow, and the number of complaints received is increasing.
The Lithuanian State Language Inspectorate has already received 31 complaints this year about the state language skills of service sector workers. Usually, around 50 complaints are received throughout the year. At the same time, a relatively small number of foreigners have applied to take the state language skills test.
It is estimated that about 16,000 foreign workers should pass the basic level – A1 – knowledge test. A1 level language skills mean that a person can ask and answer simple questions, for example, about their place of residence, friends and objects. After two years, workers should be able to pass a slightly higher level test. Only persons granted temporary protection status, such as refugees from the Ukrainian war, are exempt from this requirement.
So far, a little over 150 foreigners have passed the exam, while about a hundred more have applied to do so by the end of January. Deputy Minister of Education Rolandas Zuoza noted that the government has recommended considering opening several more examination points outside the State Education Agency, for example, at universities, but this is not necessary for now.
Some service providers, such as beauty salons, continue to warn customers that the staff does not speak Lithuanian.
Particular attention has been paid to the language barrier in the areas of food delivery and transportation.
Andrius Valotka, head of the State Language Inspectorate, indicated that a violation will be recorded only if the lack of language skills prevents the proper provision of the service.
The law sets fines of 90 to 170 euros, but no fines have been imposed so far because of a six-month transition period. Valotka said he expected an increase in complaints.
Opposition lawmakers have pointed out that there are loopholes in both the law and its application. Conservative lawmaker Dalia Asanavičiūtė said some drivers pretend to be deaf or mute to avoid communication. She added that proof of language skills should be required when a person registers as a service provider.
Laimonas Jakštys, head of Bolt’s transportation services in Lithuania, said the company mainly relies on information provided by drivers about their communication skills. He said the first tests were only conducted in mid-January and that it was too early to introduce additional requirements.
Some members of the ruling coalition defended the law’s purpose but acknowledged technical challenges. Social Democrat Kęstutis Vilkauskas said the key issue was to ensure that customers were satisfied not only with the service but also with how it was delivered.
Lithuania currently has more than 200,000 residence permits issued to foreigners.
Read the full article in English here: https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2814252/lithuanian-authorities-report-dozens-of-complaints-over-foreign-workers-language-skills
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