Authorities did not apply the law in 1999 because the necessary administrative by-laws had not been adopted. In May 2000, Lithuania approved regulations that resulted in the processing of humanitarian residence permits. The regulations specify the humanitarian grounds that allow the granting of such permits. The list is not exhaustive. Among other things, a humanitarian residence permit may be issued to an individual from a country experiencing war or natural disasters or to someone who is too ill to be returned home.
Humanitarian residents receive the same social integration benefits as refugees.
By the end of the year, Lithuania had granted temporary residence permits to 79 persons. Most were from Russia, Somalia, and Afghanistan.