Latvian government approves plan with more than 70 measures to curb immigration — LSM English
On September 22, the Latvian government approved an immigration restriction plan prepared by the Ministry of the Interior, containing more than 70 recommendations for controlling and limiting immigration. As LSM English reports, one of the document’s main tasks is to introduce quotas for the entry of third-country nationals by the first quarter of next year.
Requirements for workers and permit holders
The plan provides for regular in-person registration for some holders of temporary residence permits. The authorities also plan to close the programme granting residence permits in exchange for investment and restrict self-employment.
For drivers from third countries invited to work by transport and logistics companies, a skills assessment is planned. If a driving licence is required to work in the European Union, third-country nationals will have to obtain an EU driving licence.
Platform companies are planned to be required to provide information on the actual duration of foreigners’ work. Dishonest employers may be barred from further inviting foreigners who have the right to work.
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Changes for universities
Universities must set a limit on the share of foreign students and introduce high admission standards for students from third countries. Educational institutions may be stripped of accreditation for substantial or systematic violations related to the admission of foreign students.
The government also supported amendments to the Higher Education Law that provide for stricter monitoring of attendance in educational programmes by third-country nationals. Amendments to the relevant legislation still need to be prepared to implement most of the proposed measures.
Reaction of the government and employers
The government approved the Interior Ministry’s report, although several ministries and institutions did not endorse it. Kaspars Gorkšs, director general of the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia, called for the proposals to be refined, stressing the need for a policy to attract foreign labour and better data exchange between institutions.
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs noted that support for the Interior Ministry’s report does not yet mean that the issues have been finally resolved. According to him, the planned measures will be implemented later.
