Refugees willing to settle in Lithuania-poll

VILNIUS - Half of the refugees staying in Lithuania are willing to remain there tostart a new life.

According to the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman Office, a poll of refugees conductedduring the months of June-July with fugitives, who have found refuge in Lithuaniaas respondents, revealed that half of the respondents would like to permanentlysettle in Lithuania, where they wouldlike to start their own business.

Some 21 percent of the respondents were undecided, with 15 percent sayingthey would like to return home as soon as their homeland is free of war. Asmall percentage also said they are doubtful and uncertain about their futureplans, however would like for their children to complete schooling in Lithuania.

A total of 52 fugitives living in refugee centers around the region werepolled.

Most of the respondents were Chechens (77 percent) and Afghans (13 percent),and one each from Vietnam,Zimbabwe, the Republic of Congo, Eritreaand Tajikistan.

Most of the asylum seekers have families (70 percent), with 11 percentliving with partners, 7 percent single and 4 percent widowed.

Most of the refugees have completed secondary education (57 percent), with 6percent having completed higher education as well. Some 75 percent of therespondents, according to the data of the poll, do not specialize in any oneparticular field.

The refugees also commented on how Lithuanians perceived them.

Some 42 percent of the polled said they feel well accepted in Lithuania.A few were of the opinion that black-skinned people are more tolerated by bigcity inhabitants, especially those of Vilnius.Those surveyed also noted occurrences of racism and increased attention frompeople on the streets, especially children, in places other than the largercities.

 Chechens revealed that Lithuanians sometimes associate themwith terrorists.

The Migration Department under the Interior Ministry has investigated over4,000 requests filed by foreign citizens seeking asylum in Lithuania.Some 106 persons were granted the title of refugee and given permits forpermanent residency. Another 400 people have made use of supplementary securityin the state (they are given permits for temporary residency due to ongoingarmed conflict or violations of human rights in their home states).