Ieva Voveris has announced her return to Lithuania after 17 years of emigration, while simultaneously confirming the end of her marriage. The public figure, who recently regained her Lithuanian citizenship, revealed on Instagram that she is leaving Dubai to begin a new life in her home country with her three children.
The end of a decade-long marriage
In a social media statement, Ieva Voveris confirmed that she and her husband have separated after 10 years of marriage. She expressed that while she initially believed their union would last a lifetime, their paths have now diverged. Despite the personal sadness surrounding the breakup, she stated that she feels gratitude for their shared history and the family they raised together.
Ieva Voveris successfully regained her Lithuanian citizenship by proving her eligibility through her family history, specifically by documenting that one of her grandparents was a deportee.
Returning to Lithuania after 17 years
The decision to move back to Lithuania follows nearly two decades spent living abroad. According to Ieva, the move is driven by a desire to be closer to her family, nature, and her cultural roots. Before regaining her Lithuanian status, she was limited to short stays in the country, as she had previously lost her citizenship upon acquiring American citizenship. Lithuania does not allow dual citizenship for those who have acquired the citizenship of another country, with specific exceptions for descendants of deportees.
The process of regaining citizenship
The path to dual citizenship proved to be a lengthy administrative challenge. Ieva reported that the process took approximately 18 months, requiring extensive archival research, document verification, and official translations. Currently, she holds three statuses: she remains a Dubai resident, an American citizen, and a Lithuanian citizen.
The administrative hurdles faced by Ieva Voveris highlight the complexity of citizenship laws for the Lithuanian diaspora. While her successful application provides a pathway for others, the significant time and documentation requirements—as evidenced by her husband’s ongoing, months-long application—suggest that reintegration is a rigorous process rather than a simple administrative formality.
What happens next
The transition for the Voveris family remains ongoing. While Ieva has relocated to Lithuania, her husband, businessman Andrius Voveris, is still in the process of seeking to regain his own Lithuanian citizenship. According to Ieva, his application was submitted in July of last year, and they are currently waiting for further updates from the system. It is likely that the family will continue to manage their affairs across multiple jurisdictions while establishing their permanent base in Lithuania.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ieva Voveris have to leave Lithuania previously?
She previously lost her Lithuanian citizenship upon acquiring American citizenship, as national law does not permit dual citizenship under those circumstances. This limited her stay in Lithuania to three months at a time.
How was she able to regain her Lithuanian citizenship?
She utilized a legal provision that allows individuals to reclaim citizenship if they can provide archival evidence that a grandparent was a deportee.
Is her husband also a Lithuanian citizen?
Not yet. According to Ieva, her husband, Andrius Voveris, is currently in the process of applying for his citizenship, a procedure that has been underway since July of the previous year.
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