The Latvian Parliament has tightened immigration rules
The Latvian Parliament has passed a new Immigration Law in its final reading. The bill provides for stricter control over migration processes, increased oversight of third-country nationals, and additional requirements regarding their integration.
Sixty-five members of the Saeima voted in favor of the new law, while 17 voted against it.
The law aims to introduce a new immigration system covering the entry of third-country nationals, their stay, employment, integration, and deportation procedures, as well as to reduce the risks of fraudulent immigration and illegal employment.
Raymond Bergmanis, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Defense, Internal Affairs, and Corruption Prevention, emphasized that this regulation is “an important step toward shaping a migration policy that is safer, more transparent, and in line with Latvia’s interests,” including from an economic perspective.
The law provides for a significant strengthening of border controls through the introduction of screening of third-country nationals at external borders and return procedures at the border in accordance with the European Union’s new migration rules.
The law also provides for broader use of biometric data and information exchange with EU databases, which is intended to improve the identification of individuals and help prevent security threats more effectively.
The law clarifies the procedure for issuing visas and residence permits, establishing clearer deadlines and procedures, and expanding the grounds for refusing to issue or revoking documents in cases where a threat to public order or security is identified.
Stricter controls are also envisaged even before entry into the country, meaning there is a new requirement to provide information on the purpose of entry and conditions of stay.
The law establishes a system of integration requirements, including requirements for an early integration program and knowledge of the state language. In addition, controls over the employment and education of third-country nationals have been tightened to reduce the risks of fictitious employment and fictitious education; the responsibilities of employers and educational institutions have been increased.
This was reported by LSM.
A drone was shot down in Latvian airspace for the first time — LSM.
Latvia is preparing a new batch of cars confiscated from drunk drivers for Ukraine
Thirty-two vehicles have arrived in Ukraine from Latvia and will be handed over to the military and the National Police.
Latvia has also transferred a new batch of Patria 6x6 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine.
