2012-02-24

THE PROBLEM OF EMIGRATION IN LITHUANIA

          After Lithuania joined European Union, emigration became a serious problem in the country. Majority of people are starting to immigrate to foreign countries in order to find better conditions of life. Scientists, teachers, manual workers and even students go to such countries as England, Norway, Sweden and Germany to look for a better-paid job.  The increase of emigration was caused by several reasons, such as difficult economical situation, unemployment and low salaries.

          Firstly, during economical crisis the situation in the country changed very much. The government in order to stabilize the budget adopted some changes in law, which was unprofitable for ordinary people. On the one hand, the government reduced the amount of subsidies and grants, while on the other hand the taxes were increased. Most people were not able to live in such conditions and decided to emigrate.

          Secondly, during this difficult situation, most small businesses went bankrupt and a lot of people lost their job. The government was not able to protect people from unemployment. What is more, lots of people even having the high degrees in science, law or medicine were forced to leave the country because of the lack of jobs. Even students who finished studies were not able to find an appropriate work and were constrained to go abroad to search for a better life.

          Finally, the situation became even worse when the salaries were decreased. People were not able to make a living out of that because of high prices and huge taxes. It became very difficult to survive or even to live in the normal cost of living. It caused the youth to emigrate because of all these reasons. It was impossible to find a well-paid job and most people desperately left country and established themselves in the foreign lands where they could earn much more money and live successfully.

          In conclusion I want to mention, that the situation in the country is becoming more and more complicated. People do not trust the Government any more and the only solution they find is emigration. There is no more motivation to work and live in Lithuania. That is why people decide to emigrate to get financial independence in foreign countries. From my point of view all the Government should be involved in the emigration decision-making process while it is not too late.