Employer Took Your Passport or Forced You to Work

What it is

No employer in Lithuania has the right to take away your passport, residence permit, or any other personal document. This is illegal — no matter what your employer says, or what was written in any contract you signed. Any clause like that in a contract is not valid.

This guide also covers forced labour and human trafficking — situations where someone is threatened, deceived, or controlled into working against their will.

Who it is for

This guide is for any migrant worker — regardless of your immigration status, type of visa, or contract. Your status does not remove your rights. Even if you are undocumented, the law protects you from exploitation and forced labour.

Warning signs

You may be in a forced labour or human trafficking situation if:

• Your employer has taken your passport, phone, or other documents and will not return them.
• You are told you must work to "repay" a debt for your travel, accommodation, or recruitment fee.
• You are not allowed to leave your accommodation freely.
• You are threatened with deportation or violence if you do not comply.
• Your wages are being withheld or taken away from you.
• You are working in different conditions than what you were promised.

How to apply / what to do

If you are in immediate danger, call 112 (police emergency).

You will be heard and helped — the police are obligated to investigate.

Anti-trafficking helpline (Caritas Lithuania): 8 800 49 119

This is a free, confidential helpline available to anyone who has experienced or suspects human trafficking or forced labour. You can call even if you are not sure whether what happened to you counts as trafficking. Caritas staff can help you in multiple languages and will not report you to immigration authorities.

Report to the State Labour Inspectorate (VDI)

The VDI investigates illegal working conditions, unpaid wages, and labour exploitation. You can report anonymously through their website or by visiting an office.

Getting your documents back

Your documents belong to you by law. If an employer is holding them, you can:

• Ask the police to help you retrieve them when you report the situation.
• Contact a support organisation (such as Caritas or the Red Cross in Lithuania) for help.

What to do next

• Once you are safe, seek medical care if needed.
• You may be entitled to victim support — including temporary accommodation and legal assistance — regardless of your immigration status.
• In general, Lithuanian law provides that victims of trafficking are protected from immediate deportation while their case is being assessed. Talk to a support organisation or lawyer about your options.

Where to get help

• Emergency (police, ambulance, fire): 112
• Caritas Lithuania anti-trafficking helpline: 8 800 49 119 (free, confidential)
• State Labour Inspectorate (VDI): for reporting labour violations — visit their website.
• Lithuanian Red Cross — for emergency humanitarian support.