The International Organization for Migration Vilnius Office (IOM Lithuania) has announced its initiative to provide financial assistance to Ukrainian war refugees residing in Lithuania by covering

a portion of their rent. This support will entail covering 70% of two months' rent as stipulated in the rental contract, with a maximum of 475 euros per month or a total of 950 euros.

For the second time, IOM Lithuania will offer lump sum payments to Ukrainian war refugees who arrived in Lithuania after February 24, 2022, coinciding with the commencement of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine. The aim is to address the financial challenges faced by Ukrainians attempting to establish a life in Lithuania.

Eitvydas Bingelis, the head of IOM Lithuania, emphasized the importance of assisting Ukrainians in overcoming financial obstacles, stating, "Ukrainians have been living in Lithuania for almost two years now, so it is natural that they are building a life in our country. However, finances often become the main challenge."

According to surveys conducted by IOM Lithuania, more than 200 families have already benefitted from this assistance. The data reveals that 73% of Ukrainians experience difficulties in securing long-term rental housing. Last spring, a survey indicated that 62% of Ukrainians rented housing on the open market, marking a significant increase from 11% compared to 2022.

The assistance program aims to alleviate the housing challenges faced by Ukrainian war refugees, a group that has seen nearly 83,000 arrivals in Lithuania since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion. Over the past year, IOM Lithuania has provided aid to nearly 16,000 war refugees through various measures.