Reimagining Opportunities: How Returning Emigrants are Changing the Lithuanian Job Market

Presenting the results and companies’ assessment of Lithuanians who have returned from abroad, the Director of the Employment Service Inga Balnanosienė said that this is an important topic that speaks not only about the lack of people, but also about how they feel.

“It is important that they have something waiting for them, not only family members, beautiful places, the rolling sea, but also a safe professional path. The main purpose of the study is to find out whether the attitude of employers is changing compared to previous years. Will the myths still exist? It was possible to interview 512 companies. We had a large (analysis, author’s post) spectrum, the study is representative”, said I. Balnanosienė and added that almost half of the respondents say that there is a lack of qualified employees.

Personal archive photo/Director of the Employment Service Inga Balnanosienė

According to I. Balnanosienė, a gratifying trend is observed – employers encourage emigrants to return, saying that “we need your knowledge and qualifications, we are open”.

“The returnees can instill different competences, this is no longer a fear, but is perceived as an advantage. It is an important moment that there are no more negative attitudes that were felt a few years ago, when it was wanted to hire those people who have an understanding of the culture of local companies”, said I. Balnanosienė.

It is impossible to weld a part at a distance, but it is possible to create it

The head of UŽT also raised the question of whether remote work could be a solution for emigrants.

“Of course, if it is acceptable and possible. It is impossible to weld a part at a distance, but it is definitely possible to create it,” she said.

The research revealed that almost half (40%) of the employers who participated in the survey would offer telecommuting opportunities for Lithuanians living abroad. As the main reason why it is not possible to work in this way, the employers indicated the inappropriate nature of the work (80%).

The largest number of telecommuting opportunities are offered by smaller companies working in information and communications (65%), construction (49%), electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning (60%), human health care and social work (47.1 %), education (47.1%), administrative and service activities (45%). The possibility of remote work was indicated more often by representatives of Vilnius county and larger companies.

The head of UŽT emphasized that even in the age of information technology, we have not moved far from what was in the old days, the best thing is heard practical experience.

“I remind you that this study of ours is a continuation of the initiative “Maybe in Lithuania?” Last year we asked people who are thinking of returning, what circumstances would motivate them, what salary they would like. We also asked from which countries people would like to return most often, what is the profile of those returning to Lithuania. The next step is how to bring employers and businesses back to Lithuania”, – the head of UŽT drew attention to another pressing problem.

Agrees that emigrants have gained valuable experience

A survey of the country’s employers initiated by the Ministry of Education and Culture and conducted by “Sprinter researches” showed that 77 percent employers would only consider the candidate’s education or work experience, regardless of where it was obtained. Already only 18 percent. of employers would choose candidates who received education in Lithuania, and only 17 percent. – having work experience in Lithuania.

Meanwhile, three years ago, in 2021, in a similar survey, employers claimed that they would prefer candidates who gained work experience or education in Lithuania (75% and 69% respectively) than abroad.

Now the majority of surveyed employers (58%) agrees that expatriates have gained valuable experience or skills. This is especially emphasized by companies that employ or have previously employed compatriots who have returned from abroad.

More than half of the respondents (53%) agree that after returning to Lithuania, Lithuanians are more confident in their abilities and want to be more actively involved in making important decisions at the workplace, compared to their colleagues who have no migration experience.

Successfully integrated

While introducing the company’s experience in the field of personnel hiring, SBA Home personnel manager Samanta Garbenčienė assured that they have several dozen employees who have returned and successfully integrated. They believed that they notice similar trends that were revealed in the research: both managers are more open to employees and Lithuanians themselves, – they are quite actively interested in opportunities to return, they look for them in advance – most of the conversations take place remotely.

“Every year, we integrate additional measures – a flexible approach to work, help when the family moves.” Since we are a large group of companies, we have the uniqueness to pay attention to the plans of the other side as well – what is the specialization. We also encourage foreign communities to recommend work in Lithuania. The labor market has changed, the salary is not what it was five or ten years ago, there are additional benefits,” she said.

What distinguishes such employees, what are their success stories? According to S. Garbenčienė, they “have a unique mix” – the cultural feeling of Lithuania and the country where they worked.

“They have sufficient practice abroad in terms of business, they are often those employees who are not shy to propose initiatives and changes, are focused on the result”, concluded S. Garbenčienė.

Employers’ assessment of the working conditions requested by emigrants has changed

The biggest difference is observed when analyzing the opinion expressed that Lithuanians who have returned from abroad more often have unreasonable expectations for working conditions: in 2021, 62 percent said so. employers, this year – only 36 percent.

Most of the working population who have returned from abroad are in production, construction, trade, and transport (wholesale and retail trade; motor vehicle repair, transport and storage, construction and real estate operations) sectors.

This is confirmed by the emigrants’ opinion survey conducted last year on behalf of the Employment Service. The professions of those who want to return (60.3%) are related to the industry, construction and real estate sectors. In second place are those with professions in trade and sales activities (58.5 percent), in third place – energy and natural resources activities (58.3 percent).

Almost a third (29%) of the surveyed employers would like to contribute themselves to various initiatives inviting foreign Lithuanians to return to live and work in Lithuania. Most likely to employ returnees or contribute to initiatives to promote return migration, among those surveyed, people in health, care and social work (52.9%), public management and defense, compulsory social insurance (50%), administrative and service activities (50%) were identified the most. %) employers in the fields.

Erikos Ovčarenko/BNS photo/Kaunas airport development presentation

According to the data of the State Data Agency, for the fourth year in a row, the number of citizens returning to live in Lithuania is higher than those leaving. To Lithuania in 2020 20.8 thousand returned, in 2021 – 23.7 thousand, in 2022 – 20.7 thousand, and in 2023 – 20.6 thousand (until December 1) citizens of the Republic of Lithuania. The most common return migration destinations: United Kingdom, Norway, Ireland, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, Denmark.

in 2023 The study conducted by the Ministry of Education and Culture showed that even 55.1 percent Lithuanian citizens who emigrated would like to return to live in their homeland. This is even 15 percent. more than in the previous survey.

UŽT reminds what should be done first after returning to live in Lithuania:

• Declare your place of residence – this can be done by logging into the Electronic Government Portal epaslaugos.lt or by going to the municipality or ward where the person lives.
• Take care of mandatory health insurance: if persons returning from abroad do not work for a while and are not insured by the state, they must pay the prescribed mandatory health insurance premiums.
• Choose a medical institution and register there: before registration, you need to make sure that the chosen medical institution has concluded an agreement with the territorial health insurance fund regarding the provision of services and payment.

window.fbAsyncInit = function() {
FB.init({
appId: ‘117218911630016’,
version: ‘v2.10’,
status: true,
cookie: false,
xfbml: true
});
};

(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) {
return;
}
js = d.createElement(s);
js.id = id;
js.src = “https://connect.facebook.net/lt_LT/sdk.js”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));

Here’s a PAA (People Also Ask) related question for the title: ​**Returning to Lithuania: A New Era of Opportunities**:

Returning to Lithuania: A New Era of Opportunities

The⁣ phenomenon of emigration ‌has long been a pressing issue​ in Lithuania, with many citizens leaving their‌ home country in search of better job opportunities, education, and a higher standard of living. However, in recent years, there ​has been a growing trend of Lithuanians returning to their homeland, and ⁣this shift has‍ been met with open arms by employers and the government alike.

According to the Director of the Employment Service, Inga Balnanosienė, it is essential that returning Lithuanians have a safe professional path awaiting them, in addition to the emotional support ​of family and friends [[3]]. A recent study revealed that almost half of the respondents (40%) would offer telecommuting⁤ opportunities for Lithuanians living abroad, highlighting the growing willingness of employers to accommodate the needs of returnees [[3]].

The myth that employers prefer candidates with ‌local experience and education⁤ has​ also been debunked. A survey initiated by the Ministry of Education⁤ and Culture found that 77% of employers ⁣would consider‍ a candidate’s education or work experience, regardless of where it‍ was obtained [[3]]. This shift in ​attitude is a significant step forward in acknowledging the valuable experience and skills that emigrants have gained abroad.

Moreover, the majority of surveyed employers (58%) agree that expatriates have gained valuable experience or skills, and more than half (53%) believe that after returning to Lithuania, Lithuanians are more confident in their abilities‌ and want to⁤ be more actively involved‍ in ⁣making important decisions at the workplace [[3]].

The government has also been⁤ actively ⁣involved in promoting the return of Lithuanians from⁢ abroad. In 2023, the proportion of returning Lithuanians was‍ 25%, while the share of non-EU citizens increased to 74% [[1]]. Furthermore, Lithuania has helped in the repatriation of more than 400 EU citizens, demonstrating its commitment to supporting the return⁣ of its ⁣citizens [[2]].

The trend of returning Lithuanians is not only beneficial for the individuals themselves but also for‌ the country as a whole. The influx of ​skilled and experienced workers can lead to an increase⁣ in economic growth, ⁣innovation, and cultural‌ diversity. As the head of ​UŽT emphasized, even in the age of information technology, practical experience is still highly valued [[3]].

the return of Lithuanians from abroad is ⁢a welcome development that can ⁤have far-reaching benefits for the country. Employers, the government, and‍ returnees themselves must⁣ work together to create an ​environment that is conducive to successful ‍reintegration. By doing so, Lithuania can reap the rewards of its citizens’ valuable experience and ‌skills, and create a brighter future for all.

Keyword: Returning Lithuanians, emigration, ⁢repatriation, job opportunities, remote work, education, experiences, skills, employers, ​government, integration.