Lithuania advocates Filipino labor as strategic alternative to Russian-speaking migrants

The Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė, has publicly advocated for replacing Russian-speaking workers with Filipino laborers, emphasizing a preference for what she described as “hard-working Filipinos.”

In a statement posted on her official X social media account, Šakalienė suggested that Lithuania should phase out Russian-speaking employees in favor of workers from the Philippines, highlighting their perceived diligence and work ethic, Caliber.Az reports.

In my meeting with #Philippines Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, we discussed opening the window for 🇱🇹🇵🇭 cooperation on workforce migration.

Unprecedented number of Russian-speaking migrants from post-Soviet states raise national security concerns for Lithuania. Whereas… pic.twitter.com/sgVzu8sKVU

— Dovilė Šakalienė (@DSakaliene) July 2, 2025

“In my meeting with Philippines Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, we discussed opening the window for cooperation on workforce migration.

Unprecedented number of Russian-speaking migrants from post-Soviet states raise national security concerns for Lithuania. Whereas English speaking, Catholic, pro-Western Filipino workers are famous for high skills, great work ethics, & willingness to learn the language of the host country.

Cooperation in this area would benefit both nations,” the minister noted.

By Vafa Guliyeva