(ANSA) - TRIESTE, 28 GIU - The Committee for foreign affairs at the Lithuanian Parliament proposed the amendments to the law on the foreigners' status which include more severe rules for foreign citizens who open companies in Lithuania.

The aim is to contrast the practice of opening false companies with the sole aim of obtaining the work permit in Lithuania and then moving to other EU countries. While the original Government proposal envisioned the obligation for foreign company founders to pay at least 1.5 times the average national salary to its workers, the Committees proposal rises the bar to two times the average pay.

Other rules include the obligation to invest at least 28 thousand euros into the new company, half of which must be provided from personal resources of the founder, as well as to employ at least one EU or CEE citizen. The discussion about the proposal is scheduled for today. (ANSA).