Signing a resignation letter, a request for unpaid leave, or blank sheets of paper when being hired are just a few examples of how employers can manipulate foreigners. Most people who come to a foreign country do not know the language nor all their rights. To avoid getting caught in illegal work, foreigners should be aware of the key aspects of employment in Lithuania. First, in most cases, an employer can only sign an employment contract with a foreigner who has a work permit or who is exempt from the obligation to obtain one.
Also, foreigners must have a document confirming their legal stay in Lithuania, such as a national visa or a temporary or permanent residence permit.
According to the SLI representatives, since the requirements for Ukrainian citizens seeking employment in Lithuania were eased on 1 March , they are now legally entitled to be employed like Lithuanians. All employers need to do is submit an LDU form about foreigners working in Lithuania. One of the most important things that every foreigner needs to know before starting to work is that employment contracts must be signed in two languages: Lithuanian and a language that the employee understands.
Legally, foreigners can only work once they sign two copies of an employment contract and their employer informs them in writing about working conditions, workplace procedures, and employee safety and health requirements. The SLI representatives mentioned that often, foreigners are not introduced to the safety and health requirements properly due to a lack of specialists who can explain the detailed information in a language they understand.
An employment contract becomes legal when it is signed by both parties and specifies indispensable terms like job function, salary and workplace. Supplementary employment contract terms may also be agreed on. It should be noted that all agreements included in the employment contract become indispensable. According to the representatives of the State Labour Inspectorate, it is very important to put all agreements in writing, because verbal agreements are almost impossible to prove in the event of a dispute.
