POLICY REPORT ON IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM IN LATVIA ...

POLICY REPORT
ON IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM
IN LATVIA:
REFERENCE YEAR 2010
Riga, December 2010

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Latvian contact point of the European Migration Network
is responsible for the development of this report
The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs is
Latvian Contact Point of the European Migration Network
Authors of the report:
Ilze Siliņa-Osmane, Expert of the Latvian contact point of the European Migration Network
Linda Krūmiņa, Expert of the Latvian contact point of the European Migration Network
Mareks Hoņavko, Head of the Division of Affairs of Return and Asylum Seekers of the
Service Organization Department, Central Board of the State Border Guard
Reviewers:
Jānis Citskovskis, Deputy Head of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
Ilze Briede, Head of the Migration Division of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
Līga Vijupe, Head of the Asylum Affairs Division of the Office of Citizenship and Migration
Affairs
Sanda Kundrāte, Head of the Person Status Control Division of the Office of Citizenship and
Migration Affairs
Ilona Ceļmalniece, Senior Desk Officer of the Legal and European Affairs Division of the
Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
Lāsma Stabiņa, Senior Desk Officer of the Policy Enforcement Division, the Area Policy
Department of the Ministry of Interior
Ilona Lulberga, Senior Desk Officer of the Policy Planning Division, the Area Policy
Department of the Ministry of Interior
Elīna Grintāle, 3 rd Secretary of the Schengen Divison of the Consular Department, the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Anita Kleinberga, Senior Desk Officer of the Social Integration Affairs Department of the
Ministry of Justice
Contacts:
Čiekurkalna 1 st line 1, B-3
Riga, Latvia, LV-1026
Telephone: +371 67219492
Fax: +371 67219431
E-mail: emn@pmlp.gov.lv
Web: www.emn.lv

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5
1. INTRODUCTION 7
1.1. METHODOLOGY 7
1.2. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS 7
2. POLITICAL AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK 9
2.1. STRUCTURE OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM AND INSTITUTIONAL
CONTEXT
2.2. STRUCTURE OF THE LEGAL SYSTEM
3. POLITICAL, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENTS IN LATVIA
IN THE FIELD OF MIGRATION AND ASYLUM
9
10
11
3.1. MAIN POLITICAL CHANGES
3.2. MAIN POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE IMPROVEMENT DEBATES
11
12
3.3. MAIN INSTITUTIONAL CHANGES
17
4. LEGAL IMMIGRATION AND INTEGRATION 19
4.1. ECONOMIC MIGRATION 19
4.1.1. CHANGES IN THE NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE 19
4.1.2. CHANGES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION PERSPECTIVE 22
4.2. FAMILY REUNIFICATION 25
4.2.1. CHANGES IN THE NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE 25
4.2.2. CHANGES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION PERSPECTIVE 25
4.3. OTHER LEGAL IMMIGRATION 28
4.3.1. CHANGES IN THE NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE 28
4.3.2. CHANGES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION PERSPECTIVE 32
4.4. INTEGRATION 33
4.4.1. CHANGES IN THE NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE 33
4.4.2. CHANGES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION PERSPECTIVE 34
4.5. CITIZENSHIP AND NATURALISATION 40
4.5.1. CHANGES IN THE NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE 40
5. ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND RETURN 42
5.1. ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION 42
5.1.1. CHANGES IN THE NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE 42

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5.1.2. CHANGES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION PERSPECTIVE 42
5.2. RETURN 47
5.2.1. CHANGES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION PERSPECTIVE 47
5.3. PREVENTION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 50
5.3.1. CHANGES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION PERSPECTIVE 50
6. BORDER CONTROL 52
6.1. CONTROL AND MONITORING OF IMMIGRATION ON THE
52
EXTERNAL BORDERS
6.1.1. CHANGES IN THE NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE 52
6.1.2. CHANGES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION PERSPECTIVE 53
6.2. COOPERATION IN BORDER CONTROL 55
6.2.1. CHANGES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION PERSPECTIVE 55
7. INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION AND ASYLUM 62
7.1. CHANGES IN THE NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE 62
7.2. CHANGES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION PERSPECTIVE 64
8. UNACCOMPANIED MINORS 68
8.1. CHANGES IN THE NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE 68
9. GLOBAL APPROACH TO MIGRATION 68
9.1. CHANGES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION PERSPECTIVE 68
10. IMPLEMENTATION OF EUROPEAN UNION LEGISLATION 71
LIST OF USED LITERATURE AND SOURCES 76
ANNEX OF THE EUROPEAN PACT ON IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM AND 89
THE STOCKHOLM PROGRAMME

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
According to Clause 1, Article 9 of
European Union Council Decision
No.2008/381/EC of 14 May 2008
establishing the European Migration
Network 1 (henceforth – the EMN) each
national contact point of the EMN shall
submit a report on an annual basis, by
providing detailed description of the
situation in the field of migration and
asylum in the relevant Member State by
including political developments and
statistical data.
The Policy Report on the migration
and asylum situation in Latvia in year 2010
gives an overview on development and
changes of policy and legislation of
migration and asylum, on the basis of the
implementation of the European Pact on
Immigration and Asylum and the
Stockholm Programme.
This Policy Report is the fifth
overview prepared by the Office of
Citizenship and Migration Affairs as
Latvian contact point of the EMN. Policy
Report on the migration and asylum
situation in Latvia in years 2006, 2007,
2008 and 2009 can be downloaded from
the homepage of the EMN Latvian contact
point www.emn.lv.
The purpose of this report is to
disclose the major political changes in the
field of migration and asylum in Latvia.
The report has three principal objectives –
to describe changes in national legislation,
administrative practice and political and
public debates in the field of migration and
asylum, to include information regarding
the implementation of the European Pact
on Immigration and Asylum and the
Stockholm Programme in Latvia, to
document the situation of European
legislation and effect of European political
events in Latvia.
1 European Union Council Decision
No.2008/381/EC of 14 May 2008 establishing the
European Migration Network.// Official Journal, L
131, 21.05.2008.
The Report is developed on the
basis of the specification produced by the
European Commission and adopted by the
national contact points of the EMN.
All the information included in the
Report is reflected both from the national
perspective and the perspective of the
European Union that is based on the
implementation of the European Pact on
Immigration and Asylum and the
Stockholm Programme.
The results of the EMN contact
points of 26 states involved in the
development of the Report will be
summarized in the synthesis by making
comparison to define tendencies and to
monitor the political events in the field of
migration and asylum in the European
Union. The synthesis report will be used in
the annual debates of the European
Council in mid 2011.
The first section of this Report
describes the applied methodology,
explains the terms used as well as
definitions and methods for selection of
data sources, as well as institutions that
provided support in acquisition and
summarising of information have been
listed.
In the second section of this Report,
the political structure of Latvia and the
institutional context in the field of
migration and asylum is examined by
mentioning the main changes in the
general structure of the political and legal
system.
In the third section, the political,
legal and institutional developments in the
field of migration and asylum of Latvia is
described by including the main political,
institutional changes and the main debates
regarding improvement of policy and
legislation in the field of migration and
asylum of Latvia.
The fourth section summarises
changes in the field of legal migration and
integration, by including such aspects as

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economic migration, family reunification,
integration, acquisition of citizenship and
the naturalisation process.
In the fifth section, changes have
been summarised in the field of illegal
migration and return, by including the
progress achieved in prevention of human
trafficking, international cooperation of
responsible institutions.
The sixth section informs about the
progress of responsible institutions in the
field of border control and representation
of Schengen visas.
In the seventh section, information
is provided regarding the progress in the
field of international defence and asylum.
In the eighth section, the progress
in the field of unaccompanied minors has
been assessed, in the national perspective.
In the ninth section, information is
provided regarding the global approach to
migration by examining the progress in
international cooperation in both national
and the EU perspectives.
In the tenth section, the progress of
adoption of the EU legislation into national
legislation and administrative practice is
examined.

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Methodology
The Policy report on the migration and asylum situation in Latvia in year 2010 is
developed according to the specification and structure elaborated by the European Commission
and approved by the national control points of the EMN.
To display most substantial changes and improvements of policy and legislation in the
field of migration and asylum in Latvia, on the basis of the information about implementation
of the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum and the Stockholm Programme, experts from
the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of
Welfare, the State Border Guard, the Court Administration, the Organized Crime Combating
Division of the Main Criminal Police Board of the State Police, and the Office of Citizenship
and Migration Affairs were involved in the development of the Report.
To reach the society in political and public debates, as well as in evolution of national
legislation in the field of migration and asylum state institutions, non-governmental
organisations, academics and media mostly use the web. Therefore in the development of the
Report mostly the web was used, to oversee and appraise latest articles, opinions and debates
on the matters on migration and asylum in Latvia. News portals www.apollo.lv, www.delfi.lv,
www.tvnet.lv, www.diena.lv, www.la.lv, www.db.lv, www.nra.lv, www.lv.lv, www.ir.lv, were
used in the development of the Report, as well as legislation portal of the Republic of Latvia:
www.likumi.lv, specialised information portals for refugees and asylum seekers:
www.patverums-dm.lv, portal of social policy www.politika.lv, and information available and
provided on the external homepages of the Central Election Commission www.cvk.lv, the
Saeima www.saeima.lv, the Cabinet of Ministers www.mk.gov.lv and the involved ministries.
When preparing the Report, special criteria were not used to verify significance of
articles, publications, opinions and debates.
1.2. Terms and Definitions
Foreigner – a person who is not a Latvian citizen or non-citizen of Latvia. 2
Third-country national – any person who is not a citizen of the Republic of Latvia, other
Member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area or the Swiss
2
Immigration Law.// The Latvian Herald, No.169, 20.11.2002.

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Confederation. 3 Regulatory enactments of the Republic of Latvia use term third-country
national for term foreigner, thus both terms are used in the Report.
Following terms will be introduced in the legislation of Latvia together with the adaption of the
draft law “Amendments to the Immigration Law” that was examined at the meeting of the
Cabinet of Ministers on December 21, 2010 and that will be submitted to the Saeima
(Parliament) in the nearest future:
Return decision – an administrative act in which it is indicated or determined that stay of a
third-country national is illegal, and the obligation of return is decided or determined in it,
which the third-country national must fulfil voluntarily within a specified period.
Illegal stay – stay of a third-country national in the territory of the Republic of Latvia, which
complies or does not comply anymore with the provisions stated in Article 5 of Regulation No.
562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a
Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (henceforth
– Regulation No. 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006)
or provisions on entry or residence stated in the said Law.
Obligation to return – an obligation of a third-country national to leave the territory of a
Member State of the European Union and to return to his or her country of origin, transit third
country or another third country which is receiving him or her back. Obligation to return may
be voluntary or forced.
Decision on forced return – an administrative deed specifying that the stay of a third-country
national is illegal and by which forced fulfilment of the obligation to return is determined.
European Union Blue Card – a residence permit issued to a third-country national in case of
high qualification employment who:
a) performs specified work for an agreed payment under supervision of an employer in
the Republic of Latvia;
b) has acquired higher education with the duration of studies programme at least three
years in a relevant speciality or field specified in an employment contract or a draft
contract.
3 Treaty establishing the European Community (Consolidated Version).// Official Journal C 325, 24.12.2002.

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2. POLITICAL AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK
2.1. Structure of the Political System and Institutional Context
There are no significant changes in the political structure of Latvia since 2006. Still, the
Ministry of Interior is the main state administration institution in the field of internal affairs,
which also develops and implements the policy in the field of migration. Besides the Ministry
of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Welfare, the Ministry of
Economics, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of
Justice, as well as state security institutions and local governments are also dealing with
questions of migration and asylum. The above-mentioned state administration institutions
within their competence are mutually cooperating to implement principles of good governance.
On 12 March 2010, Cabinet Regulation No.15 of 16 February 2010 "Amendments to
Cabinet Regulation No. 811 of 3 October 2006 "Regulation of the Office of Citizenship and
Migration Affairs"" 4 entered into force. The Regulation supplements the scope of tasks for
direct administration of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs related to the joining of
the Naturalisation Board, and also specifies the procedure of appeal of administrative deeds or
actual conduct of the head of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs by stating that a
relevant application shall be submitted to the Ministry of Interior. 5
On 7 December 2010, the Cabinet of Ministers made a decision to transfer the society
integration function from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of Culture in its turn
immigrant integration functions to the Ministry of Interior. In accordance with the protocol
decision (Prot. No. 11 41.§) of 22 February, 2011 the Cabinet of Ministers has made the
Ministry of Culture to take over also the development and implementation of immigrant
integration policy and implementation of the supervisory function over the European Fund for
the Integration of the third-country nationals. 6
4 Cabinet Regulation No.153 of 16 February 2010 "Amendments to the Cabinet Regulation No. 811 of 3 October
2006 "Regulation of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs"".// The Latvian Herald, No.40, 11.03.2010.
5 Executive Summary to the Cabinet of Ministers Draft Regulation "Amendments to the Cabinet Regulation No.
811 of 3 October 2006 "Regulation of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs"".//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40163587 – [see: 29.01.2010]
6 Sabiedrības integrācijas funkciju nodos Kultūras un Iekšlietu ministrijām (Social Integration Function will be
Transferred to the Ministries of Culture and Interior.)//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/aktuali/zinas/2010gads/12/071210-tm-16/ - [see: 07.12.2010]
Ministru kabineta noteikumu projekta „Grozījumi Ministru kabineta 2003.gada 29.aprīļa noteikumos Nr.243
„Tieslietu ministrijas nolikums”” anotācija ()// http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40209810- [see.09.03.2011]

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2.2. Structure of the Legal System
In year 2010, the legal system in the field of migration and asylum has not substantially
changed. The Immigration Law and its subordinate regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers still
define procedure of entry, residence, transit, departure and detention of a foreigner, as well as
procedure according to which foreigners are held in guard in the Republic of Latvia and
expelled from it, in order to ensure the execution of migration policy according to rules of
international law and state interests of Latvia. The Asylum Law 7 and its subordinate regulations
of the Cabinet of Ministers ensure the rights of an individual to receive asylum in the Republic
of Latvia, as well as temporary protection, acquire the status of a refugee or alternative status.
But Law “On Status of Permanent Resident of the European Community in the Republic of
Latvia” 8 determines the procedure of granting and losing of the status of permanent resident of
the European Community in the Republic of Latvia according to Council Directive
2003/109/EC of 25 November 2003 concerning the status of third-country nationals who are
long-term residents of a member state 9 .
7 Asylum Law. The Latvian Herald No.100 30.06.2009.
8 Law "On Status of Permanent Resident of the European Community in the Republic of Latvia". The Latvian
Herald No.107 07.07.2006.
9 Council Directive 2003/109/EC of 25 November 2003 concerning the status of third-country nationals who are
long-term residents. Official Journal L 016 23.01.2004.

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3. POLITICAL, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENTS IN
LATVIA IN THE FIELD OF MIGRATION AND ASYLUM
3.1. Main Political Changes
There were significant changes in the state policy in 2010: one of the political parties of
the government decided to leave in spring, but a regular election of the Saeima (Parliament)
was held in autumn.
On 17 March 2010, Tautas partija (People’s Party) at a joint meeting of the Saeima
group and its board decided to leave the government led by Prime Minister, Valdis
Dombrovskis 10 . Representatives of Tautas partija: the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister
of Regional Development and Local Government, the Minister of Justice, and the Minister of
Health, discontinued their work in the government. 11 Minister of Culture, Ints Dālderis, who
represents Tautas partija resigned from the political party and continued the commenced work
in the government of Valdis Dombrovskis.
Instead of the ministers represented by Tautas partija, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aivis
Ronis, started the work in the Cabinet of Ministers, same as Minister of Regional Development
and Local Government, Dagnija Staķe ("Latvijas zemnieku savienība" (Union of Latvian
Farmers)), Minister of Health, Didzis Gavars, and Minister of Culture, Ints Dālderis. The
responsibilities of the Minister of Justice were fulfilled by Minister of Defence, Imants Lieģis
(Pilsoniskā savienība (Civic Union)). It must be noted that some ministers that do not belong to
any of the political parties were involved in the government.
Elections of the 10th Saeima were held on 2 October 2010, as a result of which five
political parties are represented in Saeima: association of political parties "Vienotība" (Unity),
association of political parties "Saskaņas Centrs" (Harmony Centre), association of political
parties "Zaļo and Zemnieku savienība" (Union of Greens and Farmers), national association
""Visu Latvijai!" (All For Latvia!) – "Tēvzemei and Brīvībai/LNNK" (For Fatherland and
Freedom/LNNK)", and association of political parties "Par Labu Latviju" (For Good Latvia). 12
On 3 November 2010, Saeima in its extraordinary session decided to entrust the leading
of the government to Valdis Dombrovskis. Two of the five political forces that were elected to
the 10th Saeima are represented in the Cabinet of Ministers: association of political parties
10 The Government of Prime Minister, V.Dombrovksis, Approved by the Saeima Extraordinary Meeting of 12
March 2009.
11 Tautas partija atsakās no atbildības un pamet valdību (Tautas partija Refuses from the Liability and Quits the
Government).// http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/Latvia/308174-tautas_partija_atsakas_no_atbildibas_un_pamet_valdibu
- [see: 17.03.2010]
12 10.Saeimas vēlēšanas (The 10th Saeima Election).// http://web.cvk.lv/pub/public/29642.html - [see: 20.10.2010]

12
"Vienotība" (Unity), and association of political parties "Zaļo and Zemnieku savienība" (Union
of Greens and Farmers), both totally 55 votes in Saeima.
Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis holds also the position of the Minister of Regional
Development and Local government in the newly established government until a moment
when, according to a declaration of the government, this minister position will be merged with
the position of the Minister of Environment. Association of political parties "Vienotība" holds
positions of 9 ministers: Artis Pabriks was approved in the position of the Minister of Defence,
Valdis Kristovskis in the position of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andris Vilks in the
position of the Minister of Finance, Sarmīte Ēlerte in the position of the Minister of Culture,
Artis Kampars in the position of the Minister of Economics, Linda Mūrniece in the position of
the Minister of Interior, Aigars Štokenbergs in the position of the Minister of Justice, and Juris
Bārzdiņš in the position of the Minister of Health. But political association "Zaļo and
Zemnieku savienība" has acquired positions of 5 ministers: Minister of Education and Science
where Rolands Broks has been approved, Minister of Welfare – approved for Ilona Jurševska,
Minister of Traffic – Uldis Augulis, Minister of Environment – Raimonds Vējonis, and the
position of the Minister of Agriculture – Jānis Dūklavs.
Four Ministers have kept their positions from the government lead by the previous
Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis: Minister of Economics – Artis Kampars, Ministrer of
Interior – Linda Mūrniece, Minister of Environment – Raimonds Vējonis, and Minister of
Agriculture – Jānis Dūklavs. 13
Conclusion can be made that the political course in the state which was started in 2009
is continued.
3.2. Main Policy and Legislative Improvement Debates
The newly established government developed the governmental declaration that defines
the working priorities and objectives of the government.
Comparing the objectives and tasks of the newly adopted declaration with the
objectives and tasks of the previous governmental declaration, it must be emphasized that the
migration affairs have returned to the daily agenda of the government. Thus, the government
plans and undertakes to strictly control immigration from third countries, as well as to reduce
illegal immigration by acting against such persons who ensure work and place of residence to
13 Saeima izsaka uzticību jaunajam Ministru kabinetam (Saeima Gives the New Cabinet of Ministers a Vote of
Confidence).// http://www.saeima.lv/lv/aktualitates/saeimas-zinas/17647-saeima-izsaka-uzticibu-jaunajamministru-kabinetam
- [see: 03.11.2010]

13
illegal immigrants, as well as by improving the mechanisms for detection, registration and
return of illegal immigrants. The Government plans to simplify the procedure for issuance of
visas, according to examples of good practice among Schengen member states. 14
Politicy report on migration and asylum situation in Latvia in 2009 mentions active
debates in the society and political circles that are related to drafted amendments to the
Immigration Law 15 (henceforth – the Amendments). One of the purposes of the Amendments
was to facilitate the conditions for obtaining a residence permit to third-country nationals,
which will make significant investment to the Latvian economy that may be made by
purchasing valuable real estate. Since Saiema election was held in Latvia on 2 October 2010,
some political parties used the said Amendments as a part of their pre-election campaign.
On 14 January 2010, Saeima adopted the Amendments in the second reading. 16
On 4 March 2010, Saeima approved Law Amendments to the Immigration Law 17 ,
however the debates of the members about the Draft law at Saeima lasted more than three
hours by marking two opposing views because several political parties saw not only economic
but also political aspects in the Law. Members of opposition political parties and Tautas partija,
which is a part of the government, voted for the Draft law in its final reading.
Several members related the Amendments to the Law to threats to the people of Latvia.
Member of association "Tēvzemei and Brīvībai/LNNK", Dzintars Rasnačs, called the
Amendments the "soft occupation" as it is said to be related to increased influence of Russia in
Latvia. Saeima group of association "Tēvzemei and Brīvībai/LNNK" even started collecting
signatures of 34 Saeima members in order to oblige the President of the State to suspend
announcement of the adopted Amendments for a period of two months. "Almost a half of the
Saeima members are against such amendments to the Immigration Law which threatens to turn
Latvia into the back door for citizens of the CIS countries 18 for their entry to the Schengen
zone. New influx of Russian speaking immigrants is absolutely not necessary for Latvia, and
14 Deklarācija par Valda Dombrovska vadītā Ministru kabineta iecerēto darbību (Declaration about the Activities
Planned by the Cabinet of Ministers of Valdis Dombrovskis).// http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/darbibureglamentejosie-documenti/valdibasd/
- [see: 23.11.2010]
15 Executive summary to the draft law "Amendments to the Immigration Law".//
http://ww.saeima.lv/saeima9/lasadd=LP1001_0 – [see: 10.03.2009]
16 Fridrihsone M., Izsniedzot uzturēšanās atļaujas apmaiņā pret investīcijām, cer radīt 5000 darbavietu (By Issuing
Residence Permits in Exchange to Investment, Hope to Create 5,000 Jobs).//
http://www.db.lv/2/a/2010/01/14/Izsniedzot_uztureshanas_at - [see: 14.01.2010]
17 Law "Amendments to the Immigration Law" .// The Latvian Herald, No. 74, 12.05.2010 [valid from
01.07.2010]
18 CIS countries – the Commonwealth of Independent States.

14
we are confident that the majority of the citizens of Latvia share our opinion," 19 commented
Saeima member, Dzintars Rasnačs.
While there were debates in Saeima about the Amendments, a protest was held in front
of the Saeima building against adoption of the Amendments attended by almost a hundred of
representatives of "Tēvzemei and Brīvībai/LNNK" and national association "Visu Latvijai!". 20
Taking into account the resistance of "Zaļo and zemnieku savienība" to put the
Amendments to the Immigration Law to a referendum, association "Tēvzemei and
Brīvībai/LNNK" and political party "Pilsoniskā savienība" refused from the idea to propose a
referendum for making a decision in this matter and decided to ask the President of the State to
pass the Draft law for the second review by the Saeima. 21 One of the security institutions of
Latvia: the Constitution Protection Bureau 22 expressed the view that, by introducing the legal
rules of the Amendments, additional mechanisms would be created for citizens of countries
outside the EU, including special service officers who might profess to be entrepreneurs, to
enter Latvia. 23
Opponents of the Amendments in Saeima invited the President of the State, Valdis
Zatlers, not to announce the disputed Draft law and to pass it to the Saeima for the second
review. A letter with a call not to proclaim the Amendments was signed by representatives of
the Saeima group of the government consisting political parties and associations thereof.
On 10 March 2010, the Employers' Confederation of Latvia expressed their support to
the Amendments by indicating that establishing of new companies or investments in existing
companies are important, particularly during limited funds available for operation and
development of companies. The Confederation noted that an amount of investment should
focus on achieving real economic outcomes to justify the set goal, needs of the labour market
and demographic challenges should be studied. General Director of the Employers'
19 Paparde I., Investīcijas dos uzturēšanās atļauju (Investment will Give a Residence Permit).//
http://zinas.nra.lv/Latvia/policy/17789-investicijas-dos-uzturesanas-atlauju.htm - [see: 05.03.2010]
20 Egle I., Pikets pie Saeimas pret Imigrācijas likuma grozījumiem: "Latvija vārti bandītiem uz Eiropu" (Protest at
the Saeima Building Against the Amendments to the Immigration Law: "Latvia – the Gate for Racketeers to
Europe)// http://www.diena.lv/lat/politics/hot/pikets-pie-saeimas-Latvia-varti-banditiem-uz-eiropu - [see:
04.03.2010]
21 Zālīte I., ZZS aptur referenduma ideju; Imigrācijas likuma grozījumu liktenis Zatlera ziņā (ZZS Halts the Idea
on Referendum; Destiny of the Amendments to the Immigration Law is in Zalters’
Hands).//http://www.diena.lv/lat/politics/hot/zzs-aptur-referenduma-ideju-imigracijas-lawa-grozijumu-likteniszatlera-zina
– [see: 08.03.2010]
22 Main tasks of the Constitution Protection Bureau are intelligence, protection of the state secret as well as
information classified by the European Union and NATO. The Bureau obtains information which is delivered to
responsible officials for making decisions that correspond with the state interests the best. The Bureau does not
investigate crime.
23 Var tikt radīti papildu mehānismi spiegu iekļūšanai Latvijā (Additional Mechanisms for Entry of Spies to Latvia
may be Created).// http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/197032 - [see: 12.03.2010]

15
Confederation of Latvia, Elīna Egle, commented: "Concern of each inhabitant regarding
making the immigration policy easier for foreign investors, their potential misuse can be
prevented by developing an appropriate legal regulation for improving the residence permit
system" 24 .
Before making a decision on proclaiming the Amendments, the President of the State,
Valdis Zatlers, familiarised himself with the opinion provided by the security institutions. The
opinion provided that the specified changes to the Law might cause new risks of personas non
grata to Latvia and attracting of funds of unknown origin. It is one of the reasons why the
President of the State assigned the said Amendments to Saeima for the second review, on 12
March 2010. He requested Saeima to assess the impact of the new regulation on the revenues
and expenditures of the state budget and, if necessary, to consider a possibility to decide on
additional state budget funding to competent institutions related to enforcement of the
Immigration Law. Also, the President indicated that one must ascertain, prior to proclaiming
the Amendments, whether the state security institutions have the required resources to ensure
proper examinations if a potential number of residence permits increases. 25 Debate about the
Amendments in the Saeima continued and, in order to invite an independent consultant, the
responsible Committee of Defence, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention of the Saeima
organised a meeting with an internationally recognised consultant in the matters of attraction of
investments by using immigration policy, Christian Kalin who represents Swiss company
Henlay&Partners. 26 The above-mentioned consultant criticized the planned changes in the Law
by indicating that such changes would be too restrictive. However, he also emphasised that, if
not otherwise, the country can be made attractive for its procedures of residence permits. 27
It must be emphasised that the survey shows that a half or 52% of interviewed
economically active inhabitants of Latvia generally support an opportunity for third-country
24 Rutule E., LDDK un NVS investoru aizstāvji iestājas par grozījumiem Imigrācijas likumā (LDDK and
Representatives of Investors from the CIS Support the Amendments to the Immigration Law).//
http://www.dina.lv/lat/business/hotnews/lddk-un-nvs-investoru-aizstavji-iestajas-par-grozijumiem-imigracijaslawa
- [10.03.2010]
25
Hofmanis R., Drošības iestādes brīdina Zatleru (Zatlers Warned by Security Institutions).//
http://zinas.nra.lv/Latvia/policy/18477-drosibas-iestades-bridina-zatleru.htm - [15.03.2010]
26 Paparde I., Saeimā iztaujās Šveices ekspertu par Imigrācijas likumu (Expert from Switzerland Interviewed by
Saeima about the Immigration Law).// http://zinas.nra.lv/Latvia/policy/19427-saeima-iztaujas-sveices-ekspertupar-imigracijas-lawu.htm
– [see: 26.03.2010]
27 Rutule E., Konsultants: Latviju investorien pievilcīgāku var padarīt, arī atvieglojot procedūru (Latvia Can
Become More Attractive for Investors also Through Faciliated Procedure).//
http://www.diena.lv/lat/business/expert/expertopinion/konsultants-latviju-investoriem-pievilcigaku-var-padaritari-atvieglojot-proceduru
- [see: 06.04.2010]

16
nationals who invest in the Latvian economy to receive a residence permit through easier
procedure. 28
After long debate and some more specified provisions that reduce the risks of personas
non grata and attraction of funds of unknown origin, the Saeima supported the Amendments on
22 April 2010. 29
On 12 May 2010, the President of the State Valdis Zatlers proclaimed the Amendments.
Section 23 of the adopted Amendments provides an extension of terms for requesting a
residence permit or review of documents necessary for registration, and response period from
thirty days to ninety days, thereby enabling the relevant services to make necessary
examinations in a period three times longer than planned in the original version of the Draft
Law. Security authorities also gave positive recommendation to the President of the State about
the changes to the Law, indicating that the requirement to pay a transaction amount in non-cash
settlement and the delegation to the Cabinet of Ministers to evaluate the course of enforcement
of the Immigration Law, results and impact on the development of the Latvian society at least
once a year, will reduce potential additional risk to the national security and public order. 30
Five months after the entering into force of the Amendments to the Immigration Law,
the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs received 96 requests for residence permits
(totally 206 persons). It does not suggest that there are crowds of immigrants striving to get
into Latvia; however it also does not show that the offer of Latvia would not raise any
response. Experts of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs emphasise that purchase
of real estate or investment to business or bank subordinated capital maybe only a reason, not
an absolute guarantee for acquisition of a residence permit. If a person is prohibited to enter
Latvia or, in case of slightest doubt by security institutions, for instance, about a link to terrorist
organizations, purchase of property will not be a sufficient reason for a residence permit in
Latvia. 31
28 Survey of residents was made by TNS Latvia from 30 March to 1 April 2010 via the Inernet in the whole
territory of Latvia, by interviewing 800 economically active residents of Latvia of age 18-55. - Survey: iedzīvotāji
atbalsta atvieglotu ieceļošanu investoriem (Survey: Inhabitants Support Facilitated Entry for Investors) .//
http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/aptauja-iedzivotaji-supporta-atvieglotu-iecelosanuinvestoriem.did=31087847
– [see: 07.04.2010]
29 Rutule E., Dalbiņš: pārskatot Imigrācijas likumu, zudušas bažas par nespēju kontrolēt imigrantus (By Reviewing
the Immigration Law, Doubt about Inability to Control Immigrants has Ceased.//
http://www.diena.lv/lat/politics/hot/dalbins-parskatot-imigracijas-lawu-zudusas-bazas-par-nespeju-controltinvestorus
- [see: 22.04.2010]
30 Izsludināti domstarpības raisījušie Imigrācijas likuma grozījumi (Disputed Amendments to the Immigration
Law Announced) .// http://www2.la.lv/lat/sodienas_zinas/doc=6715 – [see: 12.05.2010]
31
Kluinis A. Kā pērk uzturēšanās atļauju Eiropā (How a Residence Permit is Bought in Europe).//
http://zinas.nra.lv/EConomika/Latvia/30832-ka-perk-uzturesanas-atlaujas-eiropa.htm - [see: 10.09.2010]

17
Having analysed the amount of funds contributed by investors and mainly by citizens of
the Russian Federation, conclusion must be made that amounts of such investments are close to
the minimum statutory amounts that are required for acquisition of a residence permit.
However, there have been also exceptions; for instance, a person invested LVL 260,000 in a
company, instead of the minimum statutory requirement of LVL 25,000. 32
It is important to note also that the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs has
detected the first fictitious transactions when citizens of third countries attempted to acquire
residence permits in Latvia that, respectively, give an opportunity of free travel in the whole
Schengen zone. The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs indicates that it is difficult to
estimate the true benefit to the national economy of Latvia, because there are also fictitious
transactions where it cannot be tracked whether money has really come to Latvia. The current
wording of the Immigration Law does not stipulate that a transaction must correspond with the
true value of a property, and it also does not ensure that money really comes to Latvia. Thus,
persons who already have property in Latvia legalise their status in Latvia. The Government
and some political forces represented in Saeima tend to agree with this opinion of the Office of
Citizenship and Migration Affairs and promise to correct the Law. 33
3.3. Main Institutional Changes
Main institutional changes have affected the Office of Citizenship and Migration
Affairs. On 12 March 2010, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 153 of 16 February 2010
"Amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 811 of 3 October 2003 "Regulation
on the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs"" 34 entered into force. The Regulation
supplements the amount of tasks of direct administration for the Office of Citizenship and
Migration Affairs related to the joining of the Naturalisation Board, and specifies the procedure
for appealing administrative deeds or actual conduct of the chief of the Office of Citizenship
and Migration Affairs, by stating that a relevant application shall be submitted to the Ministry
of Interior. 35
32 Liela interese no NVS valstu investoriem par uzturēšanās atļaujām Latvijā (Increased Interest from Investors of
hte CIS about Residence Permits in Latvia).// http://diena.lv/lat/politics/hot/avize-liela-interese-no-nvs-valstuinvestoriem-par-uzturesanas-atlaujam-Latvia
- [see: 10.11.2010]
33 De facto: konstatēti pirmie fiktīvie darījumi, mēģinot tikt pie uzturēšanās atļaujām (The First Fictitious Deals
Detected Trying to Obtain Residence Permits).// http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/de-facto-konstatetipirmie-fikhtivie-darijumi-meginot-tikt-pie-uzturesanas-atlaujam.did=35295796
– [see: 21.11.2010]
34 Published: The Latvian Herald, No.40, 11.03.2010.
35 Executive summary to the Cabinet of Ministers Draft Regulation "Amendments to the Cabinet Regulation No.
811 of 3 October 2006 "Regulation of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs"".//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40163587 – [see: 29.01.2010]

18
Starting from 1 March 2010, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs took over
the tasks of the Naturalisation Board that are related to review of applications from persons for
belonging to the Latvian citizenship and the admission to the Latvian citizenship through
naturalisation proceedings. After the joining of the Naturalisation Board, this service has
become better accessible to inhabitants because all matters related to the acquisition of
citizenship can be solved not only in 8 largest cities of Latvia, where branches of the
Naturalisation Board were situated until now, but also in all the 30 territorial divisions of the
Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. 36
36 Information provided by officials of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

19
4. LEGAL IMMIGRATION AND INTEGRATION
4.1. Economic Migration
4.1.1. Changes in the National Perspective
On 1 July 2010, Law "Amendment to the Immigration Law" entered into force after it
was adopted by Saeima on 22 April 2010. The Law simplifies issuance of work permits and
states that third-country nationals, who in accordance with the regulations issued by the
Cabinet of Ministers may be employed by any employer, do not need a special work permit 37 .
On 1 July 2010, Cabinet Regulation No. 564 of 21 June 2010 "Regulations on
Residence Permits" 38 entered into force, stating the following:
‣ Procedure for approval of invitations;
‣ Documents necessary for requesting a residence permit;
‣ Procedure for issue, registration and annulment of temporary residence and permanent
residence permits;
‣ Persons who are entitled to submit documents to the Office of Citizenship and
Migration Affairs in order to receive a residence permit;
‣ Criteria (for instance, taxes paid, turnover, number of employees, profit) necessary in
order to ascertain that a company, a branch of a foreign merchant, sole merchant or selfemployed
person carries out active business and brings economic benefit to the
Republic of Latvia, or a representation office of a foreign merchant carries out active
operation;
‣ Procedure for payment of indemnity (compensation) in case of leave for permanent
residence abroad;
‣ Procedure for a third-country national to apply his or her absence from the Republic of
Latvia;
‣ Extent of information to be included in the state information systems: the register of
invitation letters and the register of residence permits, and the procedures of utilisation
thereof.
The Regulation simplifies the administrative procedure when inviting third-country
nationals to reside in the Republic of Latvia due to employment. The previous regulation
37 Draft law "Amendments to the Immigration Law" executive summary.//
http://titania.saeima.lv/LIVS/SaeimaLIVS.nsf/0/A4AE4F3C05CC28E2C22575F004311B3OpenDocument- [see:
27.08.2009]
38 Published: The Latvian Herald, No. 101, 29.06.2010.

20
provided that an employer, in order to invite a guest worker, required a work invitation
approved by the State Employment Agency and an invitation letter approved by the Office of
Citizenship and Migration Affairs – for requesting a residence permit. The Regulation
introduces the principle of a one stop agency because, starting from 1 July 2010, employers
must obtain confirmation of only one invitation letter – by the Office of Citizenship and
Migration Affairs. The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs performs inspections
related to employment and entry.
By entering into force of the Law "Amendment to the Immigration Law" of 22 April
2010, the amount of information has changed which must be provided by third-country
nationals, who wish to engage in business activity in the Republic of Latvia, in order to request
or to register a residence permit. In such cases, the third-country national must prove that,
during a previous year, the merchant carried out active business and such business activity
brought economic benefit to the national economy of the Republic of Latvia. In other cases,
amount of information to be provided to institutions or third parties does not differ from the
previous regulation. Part of such information is verified by using state information systems (for
instance, data of the Land Register). 39
On 1 July 2010, Cabinet Regulation No. 552 of 21 June 2010 "Procedures for
Approval of Invitations and Drawing up of Written Requests" 40 entered into force. The said
Regulation sets the procedure for approval of invitations, the procedure for drawing up of
written requests, as well as the extent of the information to be included in the state information
systems: the register of invitations, and the procedure for utilisation thereof. The regulatory
enactment simplifies the administrative procedure:
1. In order to introduce the principle of one stop agency, the procedure for approval of
invitations has been specified for cases if a third-country national, according to
regulatory enactments defining the procedure for requesting and issue of work permits
to third-country national, wishes to receive a visa and a work permit to become an
employee in the Republic of Latvia;
2. Number of third-country nationals has been defined who may be included in one
application, if the invitation will be used for requesting a visa at a diplomatic or
39 Executive summary to the Cabinet of Ministers Draft Regulation "Regulation on Residence Permits".//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40176253 – [see: 14.05.2010]
40 Published: The Latvian Herald, No. 100, 28.06.2010.

21
consular mission of a member state of the Schengen Agreement 41 with which an
agreement on representation has been signed;
3. Stated that a decision on approval of invitation, if related to employment, shall be
passed within five working days. 42
On 1 July 2010, Cabinet Regulation No. 553 of 21 June 2010 "Regulations Regarding
Work Permits for Third-country Nationals" 43 entered into force, prescribing the procedure for
requesting and issuance of work permits and the categories of those third-country nationals
who are allowed to work with any employer in the Republic of Latvia, as well as the extent of
the information to be included in the register of work permits and the procedures for utilisation
thereof. The legislative act introduces the principle of one stop agency in the procedure for
requesting work permits and residence permits, expands the group of those third-country
nationals who are entitled to receive a work permit on the basis of a visa, and also excludes the
provisions that stipulated payment of a state fee for review of documents submitted under
request of a work permit (LVL 35 annually). The regulatory enactment simplifies the
administrative procedure:
1) the previous regulation obliged employers to approve two letters of invitation or a letter
of invitation and invitation in order they could invite a third-country national to residue for
employment. The new regulation provides approval of one invitation (letter) by the Office of
Citizenship and Migration Affairs;
2) the new regulation provides a possibility for third-country nationals who must enter the
Republic of Latvia for short-term employment (up to 90 days in a period of six months starting
from the first entry) to receive a work permit on the basis of a visa, the previous regulation
envisaged receipt of a residence permit in a longer and more complex process;
3) in cases related to international obligations or interests of the state, a third-country
national is entitled to receive a visa and a work permit also for a term exceeding 90 days in a
period of six months;
41 Agreement of 14 June 1985 between the Governments of the States of the Benelux Economic Union, the
Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of checks at their common borders
42 Executive Summary to Cabinet of Ministers Draft Regulation "Procedures for Approval of Invitations and
Drawing up of Written Requests".// http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40176255- [see: 14.05.2010]
43 Published: The Latvian Herald, Nr 100, 28.06.2010.

22
4) in cases when a third-country national has the right to be employed by any employer, it
is not required to obtain a separate document – work permit because a note regarding the right
to employment is included in a residence permit 44 .
On 28-30 April 2010, one day seminars "Invitation of third-country nationals for
employment under the principle of one stop agency" were organised by the European Fund for
the Integration of third-country nationals within the framework of project "Development and
introduction of a training programme for increasing the competence of service providers to
third-country nationals". Information was prepared for participants of the seminars which
helped to understand solving the matters related to provision of services to third-country
nationals. Totally 78 employees of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs whose work
is related to provision of services to third-country nationals participated in the seminars. The
project was implemented by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in cooperation
with joint-stock company "Datorzinību centrs". 45
4.1.2. Changes in the European Union Perspective
On 1 July 2010, Cabinet Regulation No.571 of 21 June 2010 "Regulations Regarding
the State Fee for Examination of the Documents Necessary for the Requesting a Visa,
Residence Permit or the Status of a Permanent Resident of the European Community in the
Republic of Latvia and the Services Related Thereto" 46 entered into force, which determines
the state fee rates for examination of the documents necessary to request a long-term visa,
residence permit or the status of permanent resident of the European Community in the
Republic of Latvia and the services related thereto, as well as the procedure for payment of the
state fee and categories of such persons who are exempted from payment of the state fee or to
whom reduced rate of the state fee is applied in case of requested uniform visa. The said
Regulation except from payment of the state fee a full-time student of the institution of higher
education accredited in the Republic of Latvia who has been admitted for studies in a master’s
or doctoral programme or in a study programme in the end of which a student obtains a degree
regarded as equal to the master’s degree.
New Cabinet Regulation No.564 of 21 June 2010 "Regulation regarding Residence
Permits" provides that a third-country national who resides in the Republic of Latvia with a
valid uniform visa is entitled to submit the documents referred to in these Regulations for the
44 Executive summary to the Cabinet of Ministers Draft Regulation "Regulations Regarding Work Permits for
Third-country Nationals".// http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40176254- [see: 14.05.2010]
45 Information provided by officials of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
46 Published: The Latvian Herald, Nr 101, 29.06.2010.

23
request of a residence permit if he or she is a pupil or full-time student of an education
institution accredited in the Republic of Latvia and his or her residence is related with
participation in an exchange programme or he or she is admitted for studies in the programme
of master or doctor studies or a study programme at the end of which a student obtains a degree
regarded as equal to master degree.
On 27 May 2010, the meeting of the State Secretaries announced Draft law
"Amendment to the Immigration Law" which has been elaborated in order to implement the
rules and provisions of Council Directive 2009/50/EC of 25 May 2009 on the conditions of
entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly qualified
employment 47 .
In compliance with the provisions of the Immigration Law, currently a third-country
national who has received a temporary residence permit may reside outside of the territory of
Latvia without any time limit. It means that a third-country national may return to Latvia only
once a year for registration of the temporary residence permit if its expiry term is more than
one year. 48 The said provision has been amended because the joining of Latvia to the Schengen
zone does not enable anymore to determine whether the person who has received a temporary
residence permit in the Republic of Latvia is currently in Latvia or in any other Member State
of the European Union, thus making it impossible to establish a fact of absence.
Latvia is not a country which facilitates emigration of labour because the total number
of immigrant is very small and persons who enter the country for employment do not have high
qualification. In 2010, the highest demand in the labour market of Latvia was for ship repair
locksmiths and cargo truck drivers. The largest immigrant flows into the Republic of Latvia are
from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. 49
Amendment to the Immigration Law, which entered into force on 1 July 2010, provides
that, in order to ensure the compliance of employees from third countries with requirements of
an offered vacancy, responsible officials of branches of the State Employment Agency shall
register, pursuant to valid regulatory enactments, a vacancy notified by an employer by
indicating profession, preferable educational level of a candidate, work experience and, when
establishing that the vacancy is registered for the purpose of inviting a guest worker, shall
actively inform about such an employment opportunity its clients: residents of Latvia and other
47 Council Directive of No.2009/50/EC 25 May 2009 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country
nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment.// Official Journal, L 155, 18.06.2009.
48 In compliance with Paragraph two of Section 22 of the Immigration Law.
49 Data provided by officials of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

24
Member States of the European Union who are registered with the State Employment Agency
as unemployed persons or persons searching employment. If employment of a third-country
national in Latvia is planned according to a company agreement, a work invitation letter shall
be approved without registration of the vacancy, by coordinating the company agreement and
by submitting documents that certify the employee’s education and qualification. Such an
application shall provide reasons for the employment of the third-country national in
compliance with a company agreement and specify number, positions, professions of the thirdcountry
nationals to be employed as well as place and terms of fulfilment of work.
Regardless of whether it is planned to employ a third-country national on the basis of an
employment contract or company agreement, in order to approve a work invitation letter, the
employer (merchant) or his authorised representative shall submit the following documents to
the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, by enclosing the work invitation letter:
• if the profession of a third-country national is regulated – a copy of a qualification
acknowledgment certificate or a similar document certifying the compliance of the
professional qualification with the requirements set in the Republic of Latvia;
• if the profession of a third-country national is not regulated – a legalised copy of an
education document or a document certifying three-year experience in the profession in
which the employer plans to employ the third-country national, by enclosing translation
into the official language certified in accordance with stipulated procedure. 50
Since there is a high unemployment level in Latvia as a result of economic crisis and,
until now at least, Latvia has not been a country of destination of highly qualified labour force,
the demand to vacancies of low qualified labour at the moment is satisfied by local labour
force.
In order to adopt the provisions of Council Directive of No.2009/50/EC 25 May 2009
on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly
qualified employment, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs has prepared Draft law
"Amendment to the Law On Status of Permanent Resident of the European Community in the
Republic of Latvia" 51 . The purpose of the Draft law is the transposition of the provisions of the
above-mentioned Directive, aligning of terminology with the Lisbon Agreement, an
50 Cabinet Regulation No.552 of 21 June 2010 "Procedures for Approval of Invitations and Drawing up of Written
Requests".
51 Draft Law “Amendments to the Law On Status of Permanent Resident of the European Community in the
Republic of Latvia””.//http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/news/normativie_projects.htmlnews_id=583-[see: 05.10.2010]

25
opportunity for non-citizens of Latvia to obtain a status, as well as other technical
amendments 52 .
4.2. Family Reunification
4.2.1. Changes in the National Perspective
The legal provisions of the "Amendment to the Immigration Law" that came into force
on July 1, 2010 reduce the period for reviewing of documents submitted by a citizen of Latvia,
non-citizen of Latvia or a child of a third-country national who has received a permanent
residence permit, for requesting a permanent residence permit, from 90 days to 30 days, thus
ensuring the opportunity for the child and parents of the child to exercise the rights stipulated in
the regulatory enactments. 53
The Immigration Law provides an opportunity for a citizen of Latvia to invite to live
with him his adult children with families. Temporary residence permits are issue to them, thus
providing time to integrate themselves in the Latvian society. After five years of continuous
residence with a temporary residence permit, they have the rights to request a permanent
residence permit. In case, if a citizen of Latvia, who was the inviting person, has died, the
invited persons’ permit is annulled. Since it does not correspond with the essence of the
Section, because the purpose of relocation is permanent residence in Latvia, Law "Amendment
to the Immigration Law" provides that a third-country national whose one of the parents is a
citizen of the Republic of Latvia is entitled to continue his residence in the Republic of Latvia
also if the said parent has deceased.
4.2.2. Changes in the European Union Persperctive
By continuing the acquisition of the European Fund for the Integration of third-country
nationals under the Programme of Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows 2007-2013,
the implementation of the said fund projects 2008 was completed in 2010. Totally 17 projects
were implemented within the framework of the the European Fund for the Integration of thirdcountry
nationals under the Programme of Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows
2008. In compliance with the scope of the multiannual programme of the fund, as well as
Programme 2008, when planning integration activities, specific target groups are taken into
52
Executive summary to Draft Law “Amendments to the Law “On Status of Permanent Resident of the European
Community in the Republic of Latvia".//
http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/news/normativie_projects.htmlnews_id=583-[see: 05.10.2010]
53 Executive summary to Draft law "Amendments to the Immigration Law".

26
account as well as special needs of such groups. Activity “Development of programmes and
provision of services to special groups of third-country nationals (children, women, elder
people, people without education, and people with special needs)” was planned for this purpose
under the Fund Programme 2008, and it supported activities focused on access to knowledge
and resources for special groups of third-country nationals who are in less favourable position,
to increase their self-esteem regarding participation in the communities and to develop
strategies to overcome any obstacles and to gain control over their surrounding environment.
Three projects were implemented within the framework of the said activity.
1) Foundation "Social service agency "Family Crisis Centre"" implemented project
"Integrēties ir viegli!" (“Integration Is Easy!”) where a service programme and
methodology was developed for the target group of the project – third-country nationals
– women and children, 48 educational sessions were organised and lead, individual
consultations were provided by a lawyer, social worker and psychologist to women
from third countries, 2 cross-cultural dialogue round-table discussions were organised,
as well as 2 training camps were organised.
2) The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs implemented project "Support to
repatriates – third-country nationals" where assistance was provided to 57 families of
repatriates (totally 138 persons). Support was provided in 197 cases: 20 repatriates
acquired the Latvian language, computer training was given to 14 repatriates,
professional courses were ensured to 6 repatriates to help in searching for employment,
aid was given to 4 repatriates for payment of study fee in educational establishments of
Latvia, an integration camp was organised for 17 repatriat children.
3) Society "Attīstības aģentūra "Pieci"" (Development Agency “Five”) implemented
project "Atvērti integrācijai!" (“Open to Integration!”) where the Integration Centre for
Children was established. The Centre has organised psychological support groups for
24 mothers, educational sessions for 12 children and 36 mothers, and integration
activities for children. 54
In order to ensure integration and access to language courses, within the framework of
Programme 2008 Activity "Develop programmes and activities for the purpose of promoting
adjustment of third-country nationals to the receiving society and to help them in acquisition of
main knowledge about the language, history, institutions, social and economic situation, culture
life, etc.", the Ministry of Education and Science, the Office of Citizenship and Migration
54 Information provided by officials of the Ministry of Justice.

27
Affairs and the Latvian Language Agency as cooperation partners implemented, during the
period from 1 December 2009 till 30 June 2009, the project financed by the the European Fund
for the Integration of third-country nationals "Development of the Latvian language e-training
course for the promotion of education and access to the labour market for third-country
nationals".
Within the framework of the project, an electronic training programme has been
developed which helps third-country nationals acquire the Latvian language according to the
European language level A1 and A2, simultaneously by acquiring knowledge about the state of
Latvia, its history, geography and social life, thus promoting additionally the integration of an
individual in the society. The training course was focused on trainees who have knowledge of
the Russian language as the bridge language. Russian was chosen as the bridge language
because, according to statistics on migration, the number of speakers of the said language in
Latvia among the third-country nationals is the highest: as of 1 January 2009, there were 8,002
citizens of third countries with temporary residence permits, including 6,523 or 81.5% with the
knowledge of Russian as the native tongue or the bridge language. 55 Totally 40 sessions of
interactive language training has been prepared in the course, with self-test possibilities. The
developed electronic language training course is available to the public on the portal of Latvian
schools of the Ministry of Education and Science from 1 July 2010. 56
In 2011, it is planned to implement the Programme 2009 of the European Fund for the
Integration of third-country nationals under the General Programme of Solidarity and
Management of Migration Flows, and to start the implementation of Programme 2010 where
the already started activities will be continued and focused on special groups of third-country
nationals.
In order to support integration of those families in the Latvian societies that have
children of school age, within the framework of Programme 2008 Activity "Development of
educational programmes and materials and introduction of the same in training of adolescents –
third-country nationals" the Ministry of Education and Science implemented project
"Development of adaptation programmes and materials for children of third-country nationals
of the age from 6 to 12 years", where an adaptation programme was prepared for children of
immigrations of the age from 6 to 9 years, as well as an adaptation programme for children in
the age from 10 to 12 years; work sheets for the adaptation programmes were prepared, as well
55 Data source: Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
56 European Fund for the Integration of third-country nationals.//
http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/par_pmlp/projects/e_macibas_ETVVIF.html - [see: 30.03.2010]

28
as methodical guidelines for teachers, and “Identity Passports – Portfolios” were made for each
age group (6-9 and 10-12 years). It is planned to develop such educational programmes for all
age groups in elementary education level, including children of preschool age. 57
4.3. Other Legal Migration
4.3.1. Changes in the National Perspective
The regulation of the Law "Amendment to the Immigration Law" that came into force
on July 1, 2010 provides that a direct state administration institution or court may invite a thirdcountry
national without preparing an invitation letter.
The said Law supplements the stipulated cases when officials have the rights to
interview a third-country national or a person inviting him, and to request explanations and
additional documents that are necessary for making a decision on approval of invitation, refusal
to approve invitation, cancelation of an approved invitation, issue of a visa, refuse issuance of a
visa, cancellation or annulment of expiry date of an issued visa. 58
Cabinet Regulation No.564 of 21 June 2010 "Regulation regarding Residence Permits"
simplifies the following administrative procedures:
1) the previous regulation stated an obligation for persons to request a residence permit and
to receive it according to the declared place of residence or registered address of a legal
entity. The new regulation allows this procedure at any regional division of the Office
of Citizenship and Migration Affairs;
2) the group of those persons has been expanded who can request a residence permit from
the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs already after the entry in the Republic
of Latvia. Such rights are granted to citizens of those countries with which Latvia has
the visa-free regime, as well as categories of persons have been expanded who may
submit documents to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs by residing in the
Republic of Latvia with a visa – culture workers, persons to whom a visa and a work
permit has been issued, repatriates and their family members;
3) the group of those persons has been expanded who do not need an invitation letter
approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to request a residence
permits. The regulatory enactment grants such rights to third-country nationals who are
appointed as custodians or guardians to a non-citizen of Latvia, as well as to third-
57 Information provided by officials of the Ministry of Justice.
58 Executive Summary to Draft law "Amendments to the Immigration Law".

29
country nationals to whom the status of a permanent residence of the European
Community has been granted in other Member State of the European Union;
4) the regulatory enactment grants the rights to submit a request for an invitation letter also
for citizens of Member States of the European Union, the European Economic Area,
and the Swiss Confederation, if they wish to invite a third-country national to reside in
the Republic of Latvia;
5) the previous regulation provided that legal entities, when submitting a request for an
invitation letter, must also submit a statement issued by the State Revenue Service
regarding registration as a tax payer and, starting from the second year of operation – a
statement certifying that the legal entity has no tax liabilities. In the new regulatory
enactment this information is confirmed only by declaration, by indicating it in the
request application for an invitation letter, and institutions financed from the state and
local government budget are fully released from the said requirement. 59
The said Regulation simplifies the procedure for requesting a repeated residence permit
by reducing the number of documents to be submitted, by refusing from submission of
statements that certify place of residence and health condition, in case of requesting a repeated
residence permit 60 .
In order to facilitate attraction of foreign investment to the Latvian economy, the
Immigration Law includes several conditions providing the granting of a residence permit for a
period of five years in cases, if a third-country national has:
1) Invested to equity of a capital company at least LVL 25,000 and paid in tax at
least LVL 20,000 in a financial year to the state and local government budget
2) Purchased and owns one or several real estates in Riga, Riga planning region or
cities of the Republic for a total amount of transaction at least LVL 100,000, or
one or several real estates outside Riga, Riga planning region or cities of the
Republic for a total amount of transaction at least LVL 50,000, and he has not
and has never had any tax liabilities for real estate and transaction amount is
paid in non-cash settlement;
3) Made financial investments to a credit institution of the Republic of Latvia for at
least LVL 200,000 in type of subordinated capital of the credit institution
59 Executive summary to the Draft Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers "Regulations regarding Residence
Permits".//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40169126 – [see: 19.03.2010]
60 Ibid.

30
(subordinated loan or subordinated bonds), if the term of such a transaction is at
least five years and there is no entitlement to terminate it prior to deposit
maturity term, in accordance with terms and conditions of deposit. 61
Cabinet Regulation No.552 of 21 June 2010 "Procedures for Approval of Invitations
and Drawing up of Written Requests" simplifies the administrative procedure:
1) inviting person may request changes in an approved invitation, if he has given
inaccurate information in the application. Changes are made within one working day.
Changes should not be made if the inviting person has made significant errors in the
given name or surname of the third-country national, because it is impossible to identity
the third-country national. In such a case, a new invitation shall be drafted;
2) inviting person may purchase a health insurance policy for a third-country national and
to present it by submitting a request for an invitation, thus releasing the third-country
national from the obligation to purchase a policy and to present it when requesting a
visa. There is no such opportunity if a third-country national will request a visa at a
diplomatic or consular mission of a Member State of the Schengen agreement with
which agreement on representation has been signed;
3) provides the procedure for drafting a written request which enables an inviting party to
choose – draft an invitation in the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, which is
not obligatory to be sent to diplomatic or consular missions of the Republic of Latvia
because they see data online in the Register of Invitations 62 , or to send an invitation
issued for a third-country national in paper form, which will be submitted by the thirdcountry
national when requesting a visa, at diplomatic or consular mission of the
Republic of Latvia;
4) there is no requirement for a legal entity to submit documents about payment of tax, but
only a written confirmation which shall be included in the request;
5) the regulatory enactment grants the rights to submit an invitation request also for
citizens of Member States of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and
the Swiss Confederation, if they wish to invite a third-country national to reside in the
Republic of Latvia;
61 Information provided by officials of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
62 State information systems which includes information about invitations issued to third-country nationals.

31
6) the regulatory enactment expands the group of persons whom a third-country national,
who has a valid temporary residence permit in the Republic of Latvia, has the rights to
invite;
7) the regulatory enactment provides an opportunity to submit an application and
documents for drawing up an invitation also to the electronic united portal of state and
municipal services.
On 1 July 2010, Cabinet Regulation No.550 of 21 June 2010 "Regulations regarding
the Amount of Necessary Financial Means for a Foreigner and Procedures for the
Determination of the Existence of Financial Means" 63 entered into force which provide the
amount of financial means necessary for a third-country national in order to enter and to
reside in the Republic of Latvia or in other Member State of the Schengen Agreement, to
return to the country of origin or to leave to a third country where he has the rights to travel, as
well as the procedures for the determination of existence of such financial means. The
Regulations determine the amount of financial means for third-country national wishing to
request a temporary residence permit in compliance with the new principles of issuance of a
residence permit (Clauses 26, 28, and 29 of Section 23 of the Immigration Law), in order the
said third-country national would not cause additional burden to the social assistance system
of the Republic of Latvia. 64
On 13 August 2010, Cabinet Regulation No.725 of 3 August 2010 "Regulations
regarding the Territorial Competence of the Diplomatic and Consular Missions of the Republic
of Latvia for Requesting of Visas" 65 entered into force providing the territorial competence of
diplomatic and consular missions of the Republic of Latvia abroad in requesting visas.
On 29-31 March 2010, one-day seminars were held "Procedure for approval of
invitations for third-country nationals", which were organised within the framework of project
“Development and introduction of training programmes for increasing the competence of
providers of services to third-country nationals” of the European Fund for the Integration of
third-country nationals. The seminar attendees were totally 78 employees of the Office of
Citizenship and Migration Affairs whose work is related to approval of invitations. The Project
63 Published.// The Latvian Herald, No 100, 28.06.2010.
64 Executive summary to the Draft Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers "Regulations regarding the Amount of
Necessary Financial Means for a Foreigner and Procedures for the Determination of the Existance of Financial
Means".// http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40176246 – [see: 14.05.2010]
65 Published.// The Latvian Herald, No 127, 12.08.2010.

32
was implemented by joint-stock company "Datorzinību centrs" in partnership with the Office
of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. 66
On 26 August 2010, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs received guests
from the state administration of Tajikistan in a visit for exchange of experience; the guests
visited Latvia in order to familiarise themselves with development and enforcement of social
policy and to prepare proposals for the development of the employment policy in Tajikistan.
By taking into account the intention of Tajikistan to combine migrations service with
employment service, the employees of the Tajikistan state administration were the most
interested in the experience of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in issuance of
work permits and drawing up of residence permits to third-country nationals who wish to live
and work in Latvia legally. Also, the representatives of the delegation were interested in the
most recent trends regarding migration of labour force. The visit was organised within the
framework of project “Technical aid to the support programme in the sector of social protection
policy: competence of employment policy" financed by the European Union.
As the currently valid Repatriation Law 67 was adopted in 1995 and has not been
changed since according to updates, the project of the new Law elaborated by the Office of
Citizenship and Migration Affairs might be submitted to Saeima in the beginning of 2011. The
Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs has already prepared and the Cabinet of Ministers
with start reviewing, within the nearest future, the amendment to the Immigration Law which
will pertain to people of Latvian origin wishing to return to live in Latvia. But the new
Repatriation Law will mainly include and describe aid from the State of Latvia that repatriates
will be able to apply for and receive. 68
4.3.2. Changes in the European Union Perspective
On 8 August 2010, the Cabinet of Ministers approved Draft law developed by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Regarding the Agreement between the Government of the
Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Republic of Belarus on the Simplifying the
Mutual Visits of Residents of the Frontier Territories". 69 The Draft Agreement between the two
governments has been developed in order to simplify mutual visits of residents of the territories
66 Information provided by officials of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
67 Repatriation Law.// The Latvian Herald, No 155, 10.10.1995.
68 Zvirbulis Ģ., Top jauns Repatriācijas likums (New Repatriation Law Developing).//
http://www2.la.lv/lat/Latvian_avize/jaunakaja_numura/Latvian.zinas/doc=89436 – [see: 25.11.2010]
69 Draft law "Regarding the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of
the Republic of Belarus on the Simplifying the Mutual Visits of Residents of the Frontier Territories" .//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40164486&mode=mk&date=2010-08-10 – [see: 11.08.2010]

33
of the Latvian and Belarus border areas, by issuing local border traffic permits. Currently,
residents of the territories of the Latvian and Belarus border areas travel in compliance with the
terms and conditions of the Agreement of 27 November 2002 insofar as they are not contrary to
European Union regulations. In order to determine the procedure of travel for residents of the
border areas in accordance with European Union regulations, a new agreement must be signed
and approved by Saeima. It is planned to issue local border traffic permits for a period from
one to five years. The draft Agreement provides that residents of the border territories who hold
a local border traffic permit will be allowed to stay in the territory of the border area of the
other party for 90 days during six months’ period 70 . The project implementation partners in
Latvia the State Employment Agency. The Agreement will enter into force after it is ratified by
the governments of both states. 71
4.4. Integration
4.4.1. Changes in the National Perspective
The Law “Amendment to the Immigration Law” that came into force on July 1, 2010
revokes the regulation which provided that pupils and students of educational establishments
are not entitled, during the validity term of a residence permit, to submit documents to the
Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs for requesting a residence permit for another
reason of residence. Thus, students could continue their stay in the Republic of Latvia after
their studies due to concluded marriages, employment, business, by submitting documents to
the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, instead of leaving the territory of the Schengen
Member State and by submitting documents to a mission, as it was before. Thus, attraction of
also highly qualified labour force to Latvia from third countries is facilitated, as well as gradual
integration of such labour force in the society.
The Student Council of the University of Latvia, in cooperation with the Student
Parliament of Riga Technical University offered all students to participate in a free-of-charge
language training programme Couple Training, which is envisaged for foreign students who
wish to learn the Latvian language, and for Latvian students who wish to learn foreign
languages. The main task for both Latvian and foreign students of the programme is: to teach
70 Executive summary to draft law "Regarding the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia
and the Government of the Republic of Belarus on the Simplifying the Mutual Visits of Residents of the Frontier
Territories".// http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40164486&mode=mk&date=2010-08-10 – [see: 11.08.2010]
71 Interesējas par darbaspēka migrāciju un darba atļauju izsniegšanu ārzemniekiem (Interest in Labour Force
Migration and Issuance of Work Permits to Foreigners).//
http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/news/news_id=57 0- [see: 27.08.2010]

34
their native language to their language partner. The objective of the programme is to promote
also the creating of cross-cultural dialogue among students. The programme lasted three
months and included two control meetings monthly when the teachers and learners of the
language had an opportunity to test their newly acquired knowledge in practice. 72
In 2010, within the framework of the European Fund for the Integration of third-country
nationals Programme 2008, the implementation of the EU co-financed project “Development
and introduction of training programmes for increasing the competence of providers of services
to third-country nationals” was continued. The said project is implemented by joint-stock
company "Datorzinību centrs" in cooperation with the Office of Citizenship and Migration
Affairs. The aim of the project is to develop a special training programme for acquiring and
studying of matters of integration, cross-cultural dialogue and diversity for those employees of
the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs and local government institutions who ensure
the provision of services to third-country nationals thus improving the competence of the
persons in service.
Within the framework of the said project, a seminar was organised on 4 March 2010 for
employees of local government institutions, and one-day seminars were organised on 29-31
March 2010 for totally 75 employees of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. 73
4.4.2. Changes in the European Union Perspective
On 26 March 2010, Law "Amendments to the Education Law" 74 entered into force
after adoption by Saeima on 4 March 2010. The purpose of the said Law is to ensure that every
resident of Latvia has the opportunity to develop his or her mental and physical potential, in
order to become an independent and a fully developed individual, a member of the democratic
State and society of Latvia. It must be noted that the above-mentioned Amendments to the Law
define the group of persons precisely who have the right to acquire education: citizens of
Latvia; non-citizens of Latvia; citizens of the European Union, citizens of the European
Economic Area or citizens of the Swiss Confederation who hold a valid residence permit in the
Republic of Latvia; stateless persons who hold a valid travel document of a stateless person
issued in the Republic of Latvia; citizens or stateless persons of a third country who hold a
valid residence permit in the Republic of Latvia; refugees or persons who have obtained the
alternative status; personas who have received temporary protection in the Republic of Latvia.
72 Kārkliņa D. Latvijas and ārzemju studenti cits citam mācīs valodu (Latvian and Foreign Students Will Teach
Languages to Each Other).// http://www.diena.lv/lat/business/karjera/izglitiba/Latvian-un-arzemju-studenti-citscitam-macis-languages
– [see: 26.02.2010]
73 Information provided by officials of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
74 Law "Amendments to the Education Law".// The Latvian Herald, Nr 47, 24.03.2010.

35
A minor third-country national or stateless person who does not have the legal basis to
reside in the Republic of Latvia has the right to acquire elementary education during a period
stated for voluntary return, or during a period for which expulsion has been postponed, as well
as during detention of him or her.
In compliance with the above-mentioned Law "Amendment to the Education Law", a
fee for the acquisition of elementary education and secondary education for the above-indicated
persons shall be determined and paid in accordance with the same procedure as for citizens of
Latvia and non-citizens of Latvia 75 . The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs has
already noted in its Policy report on Migration and Asylum in Latvia in Year 2009 that the
draft framework document for the society integration policy “Main Positions of the Society
Integration Policy 2010-2016” was developed. During the development of the said draft law,
public debates were organised during the period from 3 August to 6 September 2010. During
the debates, 180 non-governmental organisations were addressed. On 14 October 2010, public
debates for the draft document were organised with 37 participants from various state
institutions, governmental organisations, as well as scientists and journalists. Planning period
stage was changed in the draft document and action fields were specified, thus the title of the
document now is "Main Positions of the Society Integration Policy 2011-2017" and it sets four
main fields of integration policy:
1. strengthening of the national identity, including the acquisition of citizenship and
promotion of civic participation;
2. development of the cross-cultural dialogue, including the development of communication
skills and competences, cross-cultural dialogue space and the state language skills;
3. prevention of discrimination and promotion of tolerance;
4. integration of immigrants.
The issues covered in the main positions correspond with the tasks set in the Stockholm
Programme for ensuring a common space of freedom, safety and justice. The project with main
positions is being prepared for the announcement by the meeting of the State Secretaries. 76
When developing the programmes for the European Fund for the Integration of thirdcountry
nationals under the General Programme of Solidarity and Management of Migration
Flows for 2007-2013, consultations are held with those non-governmental institutions which
work with matters of integration of immigrants, human rights, anti-discrimination and culture
75 Information provided by officials of the Ministry of Education and Science.
76 Information provided by officials of the Ministry of Justice.

36
diversity, as well as with those organizations which work in the field of protection of interests.
Proposals, objections and recommendations from such organizations are taken into account
when planning activities and results of each annual programme.
One of the most important instruments to promote participation in decision making
process is the consultative mechanisms that are established at both national and local
government levels. Currently, three national level consultation boards operate in Latvia: the
Minorities Consulting Council of the President of the State, the Consultative Council of the
Representatives of Minorities Non-Governmental Organizations for supervision of the
implementation of the European Council Framework Convention for the Protection of National
Minorities under the Ministry of Justice, and the Consultative Council of the Ministry of
Education and Science in the matters of education of minorities. Wide representation of
national minorities is ensured in the councils, and two councils are chaired by representatives
of national minorities.
Local government society integration commissions (councils) work in the local
government level, and their competence includes the participation in development of the
society integration programmes, promotion of civic participation, improvement of cooperation
with societies of national minorities, participation in implementation of projects that promote
the social integration, as well as solving of other matters related to social integration. Such
consultative mechanisms currently have been created in four city local governments; there are
seven various councils and commissions working in them in the field of social integration and
for the matters of non-citizens. Social integration programmes have been developed in several
local governments.
Also, the cooperation with the civic society is formed within the framework of the
council for the implementation of the cooperation memorandum of the Cabinet of Ministers
and non-governmental organisations, as well as within the framework of the Civic Society
Council lead by the Ministry of Justice.
Currently, the European Fund for the Integration of third-country nationals is the main
financial instrument for the ensuring of activities for the integration of immigrants. The
Multiannual Programme of the Fund and annual programmes are developed in compliance with
the Common Basic Principles for Integration and activities that are planned under such
programmes are focused on the provision of language training and the improvement of access
to the labour market, social services and public events.

37
In 2010, the Ministry of Justice implemented Project of Programme 2008 "Information
Campaign for the Latvian Society regarding Third-Country Nationals", within the framework
of which the strategy for the resident information 2011-2015 was developed, as well as the plan
for information of residents for 2010, TV and radio broadcasts in Latvian and Russian were
created and broadcasted, short movies were made and broadcasted on television, publications
were made in Latvian, Russian and English in newspapers and on Internet news portals,
outdoor advertising posters were designed and placed on public stands and at public transport
stops, outdoor advertisements were placed on buses in Riga city and on intercity buses, 2,000
information posters have been made and delivered for further dissemination in educational
establishments thus ensuring that the attention of the teaching staff and youth is drawn to
matters related to the project target audience.
Within the framework of the project, the Ministry of Justice organized six interactive
informative events: three of them were organized in Riga and three were organized in the
largest regional cities of Latvia: Liepaja, Daugavpils and Jelgava. Target audience of the
seminars were experts of the state administration, service providers, representatives of
associations and foundations. The aim of the event was to inform the experts and
representatives of the civic society about the main tasks of the European integration policy and
the directions of its development, to introduce with issues identified during the project of the
Fund, and to inform about the main aspects of integration of immigrants. In order to specify
practical matters related to integration of immigrants and to promote a dialogue among
immigrants and experts involved in the integration process, third-country nationals from
Russia, Ukraine, Georgia and Algeria participated in the events. Their participation in the
provision of information was an important added value to the event, which encouraged the
exchange of ideas and gave an opportunity to the participants to gain broader view about the
different needs of the target audience. 77
Contribution to the European Integration Forum is ensured in cooperation with nongovernmental
institutions leading integration of immigrants. In compliance with the call of the
European Commission, representatives of two non-governmental organizations that are leading
in the field of the integration of immigrants are delegated to each meeting. The Ministry of
Justice represents Latvia in the European Commission network of National Contact Points on
Integration; the network has been established for better coordination of the European
integration policy. Information for the integration homepage is updated using the network of
77 Information provided by officials of the Ministry of Justice.

38
National Contact Points on Integration, as well as in cooperation with a researcher Dace Akule
from the “Centre for Public Policy “Providus””, who supplements the homepage information
on a regular basis about integration news in Latvia.
By planning the activities for the programmes 2007-2013 of the European Fund for the
Integration of third-country nationals under the General Programme of Solidarity and
Management of Migration Flows, events are planned that promote the civic participation of
third-country nationals, as well as events that promote the development of cross-cultural
dialogue. By implementing the programmes 2007-2013 of the said Fund, several training
materials and programmes were developed in the matters of management of diversity and
cross-cultural competence:
1) society "The Education Development Centre" implemented project "Improvement of
professional competence of teachers in cross-cultural education", within the framework of
which a training programme for teachers was developed;
2) society “Centre for Public Policy “Providus”” implemented project "Teachers acquire the
cross-cultural skills", within the framework of which educational content for teachers was
developed;
3) joint-stock company "Datorzinību centrs" developed training programmes for teachers
"Cross-cultural communication and its specifics in the field of education” and "Knowledge
transfer methodology and the multiplier working methods", as well as training programme for
increasing the competence of service providers to third-country nationals: module "Crosscultural
competence for building of dialogue in work with third-country nationals", which was
developed also as an e-training course;
4) International Organization for Migration implemented project "Security and tolerance:
preconditions for successful integration of immigrants in Latvia" and developed a training
material for employees of law enforcement institutions regarding prevention, combating of
racism and intolerance, and promotion of tolerance towards third-country national;
5) society "The Latvian Centre for Human Rights" implemented project "Different clients in
the diverse Latvia, set of training courses" where parts of the training courses were prepared:
"Introduction to diversity of cultures", "Introduction: what is discrimination", "Diversity
management", "Positive action", "Analysis of best practices in the EU and Latvia" and
methodological guidelines of the 5 said courses and handouts were prepared, same as material
"Different client in the diverse Latvia" for employees of institutions that provide services to
third-country nationals;

39
6) Latvian Language Agency implemented project "Teachers in the cross-cultural space" as a
result of which the educational programme was developed and a training methodological
material was published in the end. 78
On 12 January 2010, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the concept of electronic
identification cards prepared by the Ministry of Regional Development and Local Government,
which provides the introduction of new personal identification documents: electronic
identification cards.
The concept developed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Local
Government provides that the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs will ensure the
issuance of electronic identification cards but a private partner will ensure the functions of a
reliable certification service provider. 79 In 2010 procurement procedure was started for the
supply of preforms for the preparation of the electronic identification cards. 80
The Ministry of Regional Development and Local Government indicates that the
proposed electronic identification cards will ensure not only the identification of residents
when going abroad or when receiving public and municipal services in presence, but also
authentication in the electronical environment. The concept also plans that, by developing e-
government in Latvia, new identification cards will become especially important in the
utilisation of public and municipal e-services.
Electronic identification cards will be available to any resident of Latvia as well as
foreigners who reside here with a temporary residence or a permanent residence permit.
Stickers of residence permits, which still are placed in passports of third-country nationals by
the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, is one of the factors that has speeded up the
decision to implement the electronic identification cards.
Electronic identification cards issued in Latvia will have two main functions: a personal
identification document with which one will be able to travel freely in the Schengen territory,
and e-signature. 81
In 2010, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs has organised and completed
procurement procedure "Issue and delivery of blanks of personal certificates (electronic
identification cards and electronic residence permit cards)" as well as has prepared draft law
78 Information provided by officials of the Ministry of Justice.
79 Electronisko ID karšu ieviešana izmaksās 9,21 miljonu latu (Costs of the Electronic ID Card Introduction: 9.21
Million Lats) // http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/190948 - [see: 30.11.2010]
80 Information provided by officials of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
81 Zaļā gaisma alternatīvai pasei (Green Light for Alternative Passport).// http://zinas.nra.lv/Latvia/16709-zalagaisma-alternativai-pasei.htm
- [see: 30.11.2010]

40
"Personal Identification Documents Law" 82 that was announced in the meeting of the State
Secrataries on December 30, 2010. Within the framework of the draft law the matters related to
the issuance of electronic identification cards will be specified. Electronic identification cards
will be issued as personal identification documents but to third-country nationals electronic
identification cards will be issued as a personal identification certificate with a residence
permit, pursuant to European Council Regulation No. 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 83 laying
down a uniform format for residence permits for third-country nationals. 84
4.5. Citizenship and Naturalisation
4.5.1. Changes in the National Perspective
Due to the joining of the Naturalisation Board to the Office of Citizenship and
Migration Affairs, Cabinet Regulation No.155 of 2 February 1999 “Procedure for the
Submission and Review of the Application on the Recognition of a Child to be a Citizen of
Latvia regarding Recognition of a Child as a Citizen of Latvia” 85 entered into force on 1
March 2010 which was issued pursuant to Paragraph four of Section 3. 1 of the Citizenship
Law.
Cabinet Regulation No.156 of 16 February 2010 "Amendment to the Cabinet
Regulation No. 353 of 29 May 2007 "Regulations on the Examination of the Latvian Language
Skills, the Main Provisions of Satversme of the Republic of Latvia, Text of the National
Anthem, and Latvian History Skills as Stated in the Citizenship Law" 86 entered into force on 1
March 2010, which was issued pursuant to Paragraph four of Section 12, Section 19, and
Paragraph two of Section 21 of the Citizenship Law. The said Regulation provides considerable
privileges in passing examination of language skills by stating that an official authorised by the
head of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, by taking into account a statement or
opinion of the State Medical Commission for the Assessment of Health Condition and Working
Ability or its structural unit: a statement or opinion of general or specialised profile medical
commission for the assessment of health condition and working ability, is entitled to grant
privilege procedure for examination of language skills and other skills or to release from
examination persons to whom disability has been stated.
82 Draft Law „Personal Identification Documents Law”.// http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40202295 - [See
14.01.2011.]
83 Published: The Official Journal, L 157, 15.06.2002.
84 Information provided by the officials of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
85 Published: The Latvian Herald, No.33, 26.02.2010.
86 Published: The Latvian Herald, No.33, 26.02.2010.

41
On 10 March 2010, Cabinet Regulation No.152 of 16 February 2010 "Amendments to
the Cabinet Regulation No. 34 of 2 February 1999 “Procedure for the Acceptance and Review
of Naturalisation Applications"" 87 , which was issued in compliance with Paragraph two of
Section 17 of the Citizenship Law came into force. The Regulation provides that it will be
possible to submit a naturalisation application to the Office of Citizenship and Migration
Affairs starting from 1 March 2010. Also, the Regulation provides that, if a person does not
have any of documents required for decision making, but it is available to the Office of
Citizenship and Migration Affairs or another institution, the Office of Citizenship and
Migration Affairs shall obtain such a document itself instead of requesting it from a participant
of the administrative process, pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Law. 88
87 Published: The Latvian Herald, No.38, 09.03.2010.
88 Executive summary to Draft Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers "Amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers
Regulation No. 34 of 2 February 1999 “Procedure for the Acceptance and Review of Naturalisation
Applications"".// http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40163583- [see: 29.01.2010]

42
5. ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND RETURN
5.1. Illegal Immigration
5.1.1. Changes in the National Perspective
On 28 October 2010, Draft law "Amendments to the Road Traffic Law" was announced
by the meeting of the State Secretaries stipulating the obligation of a driver of a mechanical
vehicle to present documents, upon a request of a border guard, not only in the frontier zone
but also in all the territory of the state, in order to ensure equally efficient combating of illegal
immigration in the country generally. 89
5.1.2. Changes in the European Union Perspective
On 17-18 May 2010, the fifth meeting of the joint working party of Latvia and Russia
for fight against illegal migration was held. During the meeting, its participants reviewed
matters of the situation in the field of migration, changes in regulatory enactments in the field
of migration and the results of fulfilment of the readmission agreement. 90 The next meeting
will be held in February 2011 in Moscow. 91
On 16 October 2010, Cabinet Regulation No. 958 of 12 October 2010 "Visa
Regulations" 92 entered into force. The said Regulation provides the procedure for submission
of documents to request a visa, issuing, registration, annulment and cancellation of a visa,
stating expiry date of a visa, the extent of information to be included in information systems
(the National Visa Information System and the Visa Register) and the procedure for utilisation
thereof at border crossings where a visa may be issued in accordance with Regulation (EC) No.
810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a
Community Code on Visas (Visa Code) 93 . The said Regulation harmonizes the procedure for
issuance of national or long-term visas of Latvia with the practice of Schengen visa issuance,
and it also reduces the administrative burden. It must be noted that the Regulation contains
improvements for fight against illegal migration. In the future, when detecting violations of the
immigration and residence provisions, the State Border Guard will be entitled to annul or
89 Valsts robežsardze varēs pieprasīt autovadītājiem uzrādīt dokumentus visā valsts teritorijā (The State Border
Guard will Have the Right to Request Drivers to Present Documents in the Whole Territory of the State).//
http://iem.gov.lv/lat/aktualitates/informacija_medijiem/doc=19335 – [28.10.2010]
90 Notiek Apvienotās Latvijas-Krievijas darba grupas par jautājumiem cīņa pret nelegālo migrāciju tikšanās
(Meeting of the Joint working Party of Latvia and Russia for Fight against Illegal Migration Held).//
http://www.rs.gov.lv/rel=1304&id=35&top=-1 – [see: 17.05.2010]
91 Information provided by officials of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
92 Published: The Latvian Herald, No.164, 15.10.2010.
93 Published: The Official Journal, L 243, 15.09.2009.

43
cancel a visa of third-country nationals not only at the state border but also in the territory of
the state. Until such provisions entered into force, such rights were exercised only by the Office
of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. 94
To facilitate the prevention of illegal immigration, the State Border Guard actively
cooperates with countries of origin and transit of illegal immigrants.
Officials of the State Border Guard and the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
participated in experience exchange activities organised by the Riga Office of the International
Organization for Migration in 2010 in Austria, Georgia and Armenia.
The State Border Guard, in cooperation with representatives of the Border Guard of the
Republic of Estonia performs joint patrol on the internal borders, as well as in the
administrative territories of the Latvian and Estonian frontier.
In 2010, the State Border Guard continued to develop new draft agreements and
protocols in order to promote the return of illegal immigrants to their country of origin, namely,
draft readmission agreements and fulfilment protocols with the Republic of Kazakhstan and the
Republic of Kosovo, which have been sent for agreement. Draft protocols have been developed
for the fulfilment of the readmission agreements signed by the European Community, the
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Fulfilment protocol has
been signed between the Republic of Latvia and Moldova for readmission agreements signed
by the European Community.
According to the initiative of the State Border Guard, the Amendments to the
Immigration Law were made with the aim to reduce misuse of residence permits and
opportunities to receive a visa.
The State Border Guard as the responsible institution for the adoption of Directive
2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 (henceforth
– Directive 2008/115/EC) on common standards and procedures in Member States for
returning illegally staying third-country nationals 95 , has prepared draft law "Amendments to the
Immigration Law" and continues its work in development of subordinated Cabinet of Ministers
regulations 96 . The draft law "Amendments to the Immigration Law" was reviewed in the
94
Apstiprina jaunu vīzu izsniegšanas kārtību (New Procedure for Visa Issuance Confirmed).//
http://www.rs.gov.lv//id=35&sa=&top=-1&rel=1479 – [see: 15.10.2010]
95 Published: The Official Journal, L 348/98, 24.12.2008.
96 Information provided by officials of the State Border Guard.

44
meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 21 December, 2010 and will be submitted to Saime for
review. 97
In 2010, the State Border Guard has not signed agreements with any of Member States
of the European Union on cooperation in the field of return of illegal immigrants. In 2010, the
State Border Guard has not participated in joint activities of return. The State Border Guard, in
cooperation with Member States of the European Union in 2010, has participated in two
activities, in order to provide assistance to institutions of the Member States of the European
Union in the Mediterranean region in identification and expulsion of illegal immigrants. 98
In order to fully transpose the requirements of Directive 2009/52/EC of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 providing for minimum standards on sanctions
and measures against employers of illegally staying third-country nationals, 99 (henceforth –
Directive 2009/52/EC), draft law "Amendments to the Labour Law" has been developed, as
well as draft law "Amendments to the Criminal Law” and draft law "Amendments to the
Associations and Foundations Law". The said draft laws were submitted and announced at the
meeting of the State Secretaries on 28 October 2010. In compliance with protocol decision No.
42 of the meeting of the State Secretaries of 28 October 2010, the Ministry of Welfare has been
assigned the task of coordination of the draft laws and their executive summaries and of
submission of coordinated drafts to the State Chancellery. 100
By adopting the requirements of Directive 2009/52/EC, it is suggested to supplement
the Labour Law with the obligation to an employer to request a third-country national, prior to
starting the job, to present a valid visa or residence permit, as well as a valid work permit, if
necessary. An employer will also need to ensure storage of such documents during the whole
period of employment of a third-country national and presentation of the documents upon a
request of supervision and control institutions. Also, it is planned to provide in the Labour Law
that the payment of unpaid salary of an illegally entered third-country national is the
responsibility not only of his or her direct employer, but also a general contractor, if he or she
has fully or partially delivered the fulfilment of initial contractual obligations to the
employer. 101
97 Information provided by officials of the State Border Guard.
98 Information provided by officials of the State Border Guard.
99 Published: Official Journal, L 168, 30.06.2009.
100 Information provided by officials of the Ministry of Welfare.
101
Executive summary to draft law "Amendments to the Labour Law".//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40194425- [see: 24.11.2010]

45
Changes in other laws are also planned in relation to the amendments to the Labour
Law. The prepared amendments to the Latvian Administrative Violations Code 102 envisages an
administrative fine to employers for employment of illegally staying third-country nationals.
The amount of a fine for natural persons is planned in the amount of 150-350 lats, for legal
entities 750-3,000 lats. A fine is envisaged for employment of more than five such persons for
natural persons in the amount of 350-500 lats, for legal entities 3,000-10,000 lats. 103
Amendments to the Criminal Law provide in specific cases, criminal liability of an employer
for employment of third-country nationals who have entered the state illegally. It is planned to
apply it if a minor is employed, if people have been employed in particularly exploiting work
conditions, or if a victim of human trafficking has been employed intentionally. Punishment to
an employer for such offences is arrest, forced labour or a fine in the amount of up to 200
minimum monthly wages. 104
On 7 September 2010, a meeting was held in the Ministry of Interior regarding the
matters of labour force exploitation. The meeting was attended by experts in combating and
prevention of human trafficking from the Prosecutor General’s Office, the State Police, the
State Border Guard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Welfare and Society
"Shelter "Safe House"", as well as institutions which until now were not involved in combating
and prevention of human trafficking - State Work Inspections and the State Employment
Agency.
During the meeting, its participants agreed that a common understanding of labour
force was necessary, by developing updated criteria for the practical identification of labour
force exploitation, increased focus on detection of possible victims of labour force, as well as
on cooperation among the institution in provision of information to a potential victim who
leaves the country for work abroad and a victim of labour force exploitation. 105
In 2010, the State Border Guard, in compliance with Section 189 of the Latvian
Administrative Violations Code for employment without a passport or work permit, called
employers to account in 22 cases. 106
Latvia is rarely used as a transit country for fulfilment of a return decision or
deportation order which has been passed by another Member State of the European Union, thus
102 Latvian Administrative Violations Code.// Ziņotājs, No.51, 20.12.1984.
103
Executive summary to draft law "Amendments to the Latvian Administrative Violations Code".//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40194426 - [see: 24.11.2010]
104 Executive summary to draft law "Amendments to the Criminal Law".//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40194427 - [see: 24.11.2010]
105 Pastiprinās cīņu pret darbaspēka ekspluatāciju (Fight Against Labour Force Exploitation Increases)/
http://www.iem.gov.lv/lat/aktualitates/informacija_medijiem/doc=19025 - [see: 25.11.2010]
106 Information provided by officials of the State Border Guard.

46
the State Border Guard has rare cases when it has to recognise in practice a return decision or
order issued in another Member State of the European Union.
In the State Border Guard, illegal migration routes and trends are identified by the
Analytical Division of the Service Organization Department, Central Board of the State Border
Guard where the information which has been received from the structural units of the State
Border Guard and communication officers is summarised, as well as the information available
on the FRONTEX agency’s common information system (ICONET). After the information is
summarised and analysis made, tactical warnings are prepared and sent to structural units of the
State Border Guard. Information is also placed on the common information system of the State
Border Guard where it is available for relevant services. 107
For cooperation with countries of origin and transit of immigrants, the State Border
Guard has sent, by presenting the interest of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, communication
officers in the matters of immigration to Georgia, Belarus and Russia, a communication officer
(airline coordinator) and a communication officer (document consultant) to Georgia. The State
Border Guard plans to continue the activities in the said third countries also in 2011. The State
Border Guard does not plan any changes in the field of operation of its communication
officers. 108
The Ministry of Interior, at the meeting of the State Secretaries on 17 June 2010,
submitted a draft agreement regarding the cooperation of the Republic of Latvia and the
Republic of Portugal for fight against transnational organized crime. It is envisaged that the
agreement will provide the legal framework for the cooperation of the countries in fight against
transnational organized crime in compliance with relevant regulatory enactments.
Cooperation between the agreement parties in relation to combating illicit trafficking in
narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances includes exchange of information about location
and identification of persons or objects related to transnational organized crime, as well as
exchange of information about human trafficking, sexual abuse of women and minors, illegal
migration or illicit trafficking of stolen vehicles, money laundering or illegal legalization of
other means or products, or illicit trafficking in weapons, munitions and explosives or nuclear
weapons.
The cooperation agreement will enable practical development of the cooperation
between the two countries and will provide direct communication among competent law
107 Information provided by officials of the State Border Guard.
108 Information provided by officials of the State Border Guard.

47
enforcement institutions of the both parties, in order the information exchange about planned
or committed criminal offences would be fast.
The Ministry of Interior has developed successful bilateral relations with several
countries, and various cooperation agreements have been already signed with the majority of
them. Similar agreements have been signed with 25 countries (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Lithuania,
Estonia, Malta, Cyprus, Hungary, and other). 12 draft agreements have been elaborated (with
Russia, Greece, Columbia, Ecuador, Rumania, and others). 109
5.2. Return
5.2.1. Changes in the European Union Perspective
On 4 March 2010, Law "Amendments to the Education Law" provides the rights to
acquisition of education for a minor third-country national or a stateless person who has not a
legal basis to reside in the Republic of Latvia, the rights to acquire elementary education during
the period stated for voluntary return, or during the period for which expulsion has been
postponed, as well as during his or her detention.
The State Border Guard as the responsible institution for the adoption of the Directive
2008/115/EC, has prepared draft law "Amendments to the Immigration Law", which was
reviewed in the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 21 December, 2010 and will be
submitted for review to Saeima in the nearest future. The Draft law will introduce new
regulations to improve the standards and procedures in the Republic of Latvia in relation to
return of third-country nationals:
1) further also the State Border Guard will be entitled to issue voluntary return decisions;
2) prohibition will be applied to persons to reside also in the territory of Member States of
the Schengen Agreement after application of the national entry ban;
3) during the procedure of appeal against return decisions or deportation orders, a thirdcountry
national will have the right to receive legal assistance provided by the state
according to cases and amounts stipulated in law;
4) it will be possible to cancel a return decision or a deportation order, if the circumstances
have changed which served as the basis for issuance of a relevant administrative deed.
The Law provides that a third-country national shall not be expelled to a country in
which the third-country national is endangered with persecution due to his or her race,
109 Sagatavo Latvijas un Portugāles sadarbības līgumu cīņai ar organizēto noziedzību (The Cooperation Agreement
between Latvia and Portugal for Fight against Organized Crime Prepared).//
http://www.iem.gov.lv/lat/aktualitates/informacija_medijiem/doc=18496 - [see: 25.11.2010]

48
religion, nationality or belonging to a particular social group or political views, as well
as if there is the basis to deem that he or she will be exposed to serious harm after return
to his or her country of origin;
5) it will be possible to cancel a deportation order for a third-country national, if he or she
applies for the voluntary return programme;
6) in compliance with the Directive, a return decision or a deportation order shall be issued
also for a minor third-country national;
7) an official of the State Border Guard, by making a decision on detention of a thirdcountry
national and having evaluated each specific case, will have a possibility to
apply alternative detention means for the third-country national. 110
Readmission agreements between the Republic of Latvia and the European Union make
contribution to successful fulfilment of return of illegal immigrants, by enabling efficient and
targeted implementation of return activities. Implementation of the said agreements gives an
opportunity for a third country to gather information on a number of its nationals who have
been returned by forced return from the Republic of Latvia for offences related to illegal
residence. 111
In 2010, the Republic of Latvia has signed readmission protocols for fulfilment of
agreements with the Russian Federation and the Republic of Moldova. The Commission of the
European Union was informed about the conclusion of the readmission protocols with the said
countries.
Currently, bilateral readmission agreements are being drafted with the following
countries: Azerbaijan, Kosovo and Colombia. 112
By taking into account that agreements of the European Community with third countries
provide signature of readmission protocols for the fulfilment of the bilateral agreements from
the Member States, the Republic of Latvia has draft protocols for the fulfilment of the
readmission agreement with the following third countries in the coordination process:
1) The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia;
2) Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The State Border Guard exchanges information regarding expelled persons with
FRONTEX agency in report form 113 .
110 Draft law "Amendments to the Immigration Law".//http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40178026 – [see: on
Internet 24.11.2010]
111 Information provided by officials of the State Border Guard.
112 Information provided by officials of the Ministry of Interior.

49
In 2010, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs within the framework of the
European Return Fund 2009 programme implements project "Creation and Development of the
Digital Archive for Cases of Illegal Immigrants".The general objective of the said project is to
increase the administrative capacity of involved institutions in the field of return and the
specific objective is to start the creation of a digital archive for cases of illegal immigrants, by
ensuring necessary equipment and software. It is planned to achieve the set targets by
introducing the digital archive of cases of illegal immigrants, which would ensure obtaining,
processing and use electronically of information, as provided for in the regulatory enactments,
about a person who has violated the terms of entry and residence in the Republic of Latvia,
which will considerably speed up decision making by responsible officials in the field of return
of third-country nationals. 114
In 2010, Riga Office of the International Organization for Migration, in cooperation with
the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences and within the framework of the project co-financed by
the European Return Fund has issued two research reports “Situation in the field of voluntary
return” 115 and “Situation in the field of reintegration” 116 . The purpose of the studies was to
provide a summary on the current situation in Latvia and about the best practices in the
Member States of the European Union in the field of return and reintegration of persons who
do not have the legal basis to reside in Latvia, as well as asylum seekers, refugees, persons to
whom the alternative status has been granted (other type of international protection).
By promoting voluntary return of illegal immigrants to their country of origin, the Riga
Office of the International Organization for Migration continued the provision of important
assistance in 2010 in return of illegal immigrants and returning to their living in their countries,
within the framework of the project of the European Return Fund "Preparation of the system of
voluntary return and reintegration in Latvia" which was started in 2009. The said project was
completed on 30 June 2010, and 39 illegal immigrants used the assistance for voluntary return
within the framework of it.
In order to introduce complete module of return and reintegration of third-country
nationals in Latvia, employees of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs and the State
113 Information provided by officials of the State Border Guard.
114 Eiropas Atgriešanās fonda 2009.gada programmas projekts “Nelegālo imigrantu lietu digitālā arhīva
izveidošana un attīstīšana” (Project “Creation and Development of the Digital Archive for Cases of Illegal
Immigrants”) of Programme 2009 of the European Return Fund)//
http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/par_pmlp/projects/ERF_arhivs.html - [10.12.2010]
115 Riga Office of the International Organization for Migration, Research. Situation in the Field of Voluntary
Return.// Riga: IOM, 2010.-p.160.
116 Riga Office of the International Organization for Migration., Research. Situation in the Field of Reintegration.//
Riga: IOM, 2010.-p.136.

50
Border Guard participated in seminars organized by Riga Office of the International
Organization for Migration for employees of state institutions regarding the practice in
voluntary return and reintegration in Austria and the Netherlands.
In 2010, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs has issued 97 voluntary return
decisions. 117
5.3. Prevention of Human Trafficking
5.3.1. Changes in the European Union Perspective
Until now, Latvia has signed cooperation agreements for the cooperation in fight against
terrorism, organized crime and illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and
precursors and other criminal offences, within the framework of which cooperation is envisaged
also in fight against human trafficking with Uzbekistan, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and
Armenia. Within the framework of the said agreements, information and data exchange is made,
mutual operational activities are performed, as well as exchange of experience, consultations in
the field of development of regulatory enactments, exchange of experience in the field of
training or personnel. 118
In 2010, two meetings of cross-border cooperation in the field of prevention of human
trafficking were organized with, so far, the only country of origin of human trafficking victims
as third-country national: competent officials of Belarus.
On 10 June 2010, employees of the Human Trafficking Prevention Division of the
Organised Crime Combating Department, the Chief Criminal Police Board of the State Police
and the State Border Guard participated in the seminar which was organised in Vitebsk,
Belarus "Cooperation of law enforcement institutions, international and non-governmental
organizations in prevention of human trafficking". Within the framework of the seminar,
meetings were held with the head of the criminal militia of the Narcotic Drugs and Human
Trafficking Combating Department, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus. During the
meeting with responsible officials, future course of mutual cooperation was discussed, as well
as combating of human trafficking in the period from the end of 2007 till 2009, the results of
successfully completed cross-border investigation against a group of Latvian and Belarusian
citizens who organized delivery of young women for voluntary prostitution to Riga for several
years.
117 Information provided by officials of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
118 Information provided by officials of the Ministry of Interior.

51
In 2007-2009, a network of human trafficking and soutenerism was stopped as a result
of the cross-border investigation which was made successfully in both countries, and the
organizers of the said network have been convicted.
Representative of the Human Trafficking Prevention Division of the Organised Crime
Combating Department, the Chief Criminal Police Board of the State Police participated in the
international conference “Combating of Human Trafficking: New Challenges and Treats",
which was organized by the International Organization for Migration, the Ministry of Internal
Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, the International Development Cooperation Agency of
Sweden and the Swedish Institute, and was held on 15 October 2010 in Belarus, Minsk:
Chairperson of the Board of the Society “Shelter “Safe House””, S.Zalcmane, participated in
the Conference with a presentation and mentioned marriage of convenience of citizens of
Latvia as a new form in human trafficking as well as one of the most important problems the
combated through cooperation of the State Police and non-governmental institutions and the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In 2010, structural units of the State Border Guard have not cooperated with countries
of origin and transit of third-country nationals in the field of combating of human trafficking. 119
119 Information provided by officials of the State Border Guard.

52
6. BORDER CONTROL
6.1. Control and Monitoring of Immigration on the External Borders
6.1.1. Changes in the National Perspective
By taking into account the importance of comparing of biometric data in detection of
illegal immigration, the Law "Amendments to the Immigration Law" that came into force on
July 1, 2010 determines that a third-country national shall have the duty to comply with the
requirement of the state institutions for comparison of biometric data during border control and
immigration control.
On 29 June 2010, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.554 of 21 June 2010
"Regulations regarding the Countries of Citizens for Whom Additional Examination is
Performed in Issuance of a Visa or Residence Permit" 120 , entered into force which determines a
list of countries of citizens for whom additional examination is performed when issuing a visa
or a residence permit.
On 1 July 2010, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.549 of 21 June 2010
“Amendments to the Cabinet Regulation No. 365 of 26 May 2008 “Procedure for Examination
of Available Information in Reviewing of Documents for Request of a Visa or a Residence
Permit of a Third-Country National”” 121 entered into force which have been supplemented with
the procedure for additional examinations in relation to third-country nationals who request a
residence permit in compliance with Clauses 28, 29 or 30 of the first part of the Section 23 of
the Immigration Law. During examination, competent state institutions shall ascertain whether,
in case of issue of a residence permit, a third-country national will not cause any threat to the
security of the state or public order and safety. 122
On 13 July 2010, Cabinet Regulation No.675 of 27 July 2010 "Regulations for
Technical Means Required for Border Control and Border Monitoring" 123 entered into force,
which determines the technical means required for border control and border monitoring.
On 30 November 2010, the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers reviewed Draft
Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers, which was prepared by the Ministry of Defence,
“Procedure in accordance with which the State Border Guard Performs Border Monitoring
120 Published: The Latvian Herald, No. 100, 28.06.2010.
121 Published: The Latvian Herald, No. 100, 28.06.2010.
122 Executive summary to the Cabinet of Ministers draft regulation "Amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers
Regulation No. 365 of 26 May 2008 “Procedure for Examination of Available Information in Reviewing of
Documents for Request of a Visa or a Residence Permit of a Third-Country National"".//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40176245 – [see: 14.05.2010]
123 Published: The Latvian Herald, No. 120, 30.07.2010.

53
Tasks at Sea by the Use of Technical Means, Floating Means and Aircrafts of the National
Armed Forces”. The draft regulation was developed because the Amendments to the Law on
the National Armed Forces 124 entered into force on 1 April 2010, which envisage the
elaboration of new Cabinet of Ministers regulations that will determine the procedure in
accordance with which the State Border Guard performs border monitoring tasks at sea by the
use of technical means, floating means and aircrafts of the National Armed Forces 125 .
6.1.2. Changes in the European Union Perspective
Law "Amendments to the Immigration Law", which was adopted by the Saeima on 22
April 2010, specifies the cases when a third-country national shall be included in the list of
third-country nationals to whom entry in the Republic of Latvia is banned. The Law also
specifies provisions for cases that, if an entry ban notification is included in the Schengen
information system regarding a third-country national, it also applies to entry of them in the
Republic of Latvia. The Law provides the restriction of entry for a third-country national who
has received a new travel document abroad and who holds a valid residence permit in the
Republic of Latvia, namely, the third-country national may use the previous travel document
with a valid residence permit for single entry in the Republic of Latvia in order to receive a
new residence permit. 126
In 2010, the structural units of the State Border Guard participated in:
• international operation “Quiet Sea 2010", purpose of the operation: examinations for
vessels that are admitted as suspects for carrying of smuggled goods and narcotic drugs;
• operation "MALDUGUNS 2009", purpose of the operation: immigration control for
fishing vessels, entertainment vessels and ferries, increased monitoring of the sea border among
the border control points (divisions), increased control of compliance with the border control
regime regulations in port territories, ensuring the public procedures and control of compliance
with the shipping control regulations in the aquatorium of Ventspils, Pavilosta and Liepaja
ports, fight against organized crime and cross-border crime, strengthening of cooperation
among the State Border Guard, the state police, the Marine and Inland Waters Administration,
and the customs of the State Revenue Service;
124 Law "Amendments to the Law on the National Armed Forces".// The Latvian Herald, No. 51/52, 31.03.2010.
125 Executive summary to Cabinet of Ministers draft regulation "Procedure in accordance with which the State
Border Guard Performs Border Monitoring Tasks at Sea by the Use of Technical Means, Floating Means and
Aircrafts of the National Armed Forces".//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40180559&mode=mk&date=2010-11-30 – [see: 01.12.2010]
126 Executive summary to draft law "Amendments to the Immigration Law".

54
• operational – tactical training organised by the State Border Guard "RONIS 2010",
purpose of the training: examination of the readiness of crew change of the State Border Guard
ship vessels at the base location and at sea (exercise of examination of the readiness of ship
vessel K-3), as well as improvement of the cooperation quality with cooperation structural
units, namely, detection of violators of ship and speed boats by the use of the Sea Video
Surveillance System, mobile surveillance kit and radar system, pursuance and detention of a
suspicious vessel, examination of a vessel and a speedboat at sea, delivery of a detained vessel
to port, people search and rescue activities, transportation of a victim to hospital, application of
procedural measures to detained persons and detained vessels;
• tactical trainings organized by the State Border Guard on land external borders, purpose
of the training: improve the methodology for detection and detaining of trespassers and illegal
immigrants, methods and mutual cooperation among the structural units of the State Border
Guard, as well as improve the cooperation between the territorial administration of the State
Border Guard and the Aviation Administration of the State Border Guard;
• international operation on the Latvian – Russian and Latvian – Belarusian borders
"UNITY".
Funds for protection of the state borders in 2010 were reduced in proportion to the
decreased budget totally allocated to the State Border Guard. 127
In 2010, new border control technological means were not purchase By taking into
account the scopes of the European Border Surveillance Systems (EUROSUR and
MARSUNO), the existing systems will be improved in the future that will be used in the sea
border surveillance and in specific cases they will be integrated within a common information
network. By introducing the European Union entry/return and the European Union registered
travellers’ system, it will be necessary to ensure the link to the national border crossing
system. 128
The State Border Guard participates in working parties organized by FRONTEX which
discuss matters of the introduction of the Automated Border Control System 129 in their
countries, as well as the use of other technologies for the improvement of border examination
process. The State Border Guard has included in its development plans the possibility to
introduce the Automated Border Control System in cooperation with Riga Airport, as well as
develop other technologies in 2014.
127 Information provided by officials of the State Border Guard.
128 Information provided by officials of the State Border Guard.
129 Automated Border Crossing Systems.

55
Besides, by using the External Border Fund financing, the State Border Guard plans to
carry out the following activities in 2011–2013:
1) development of the existing "green" border control system UNIFORM of the State
Border Guard;
2) equipping of Schengen vans with technical means;
3) renewal of vehicles used in border surveillance and border examinations;
4) improvement of the border technical protection, control and information system by
purchasing infrared, magnetic and seismic sensors;
5) purchase of equipment and inventory for officials of the State Border Guard. 130
6.2. Cooperation in Border Control
6.2.1. Changes in the European Union Perspective
On 3 June 2010, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 459 of 18 May 2010 "Regarding
the Memorandum of Understanding on the Participation in the Public Key Directory (ICAO
PKD) of Electronic Machine Readable Documents ICAO" 131 entered into force. On 18 May
2010, the Cabinet of Ministers authorized Minister of Interior, Linda Mūrniece, to sign the
memorandum of understanding regarding the participation of Latvia in the Public Key
Directory of the ICAO electronic machine readable travel documents that will allow foreign
border guard services and other institutions to examine, in quick and accurate manner, the
authenticity of passports issued in Latvia, as well as electronic identification cards and
electronic residence permits that are currently still under development.
By becoming a member state of the ICAO Public Key Directory, Latvia will be able to
upload relevant certificates and certificate cancellation lists in a centralised and secure manner
to a single database, thus ensuring that foreign institutions can examine, in quick and accurate
manner, any passport of the new template which has been issued in Latvia or any other
electronic machine readable travel document and to ascertain that the data stored in the chip are
not corrected or counterfeited. 132
By the introduction of the Central Visa Information System (henceforth – CVIS), the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs is planning to start taking the biometric data of visa applicants in
compliance with the regions specified by the European Commission – VIS Roll-out. In
130 Information provided by officials of the State Border Guard.
131 Published: The Latvian Herald, No. 87, 02.06.2010.
132 Viltot Latvijā izsniegtās pases kļūs vēl grūtāk (It Will Be More Complicated to Counterfeit Passports Issued in
Latvia).// http://www.iem.gov.lv/lat/aktualitates/informacija_medijiem/doc=18348-[25.11.2010]

56
compliance with VIS Roll-out, by introducing the CVIS, it will be necessary to start the taking
of biometric data of visa applicants in the region of Northern Africa where the embassy of the
Republic of Latvia in Egypt is situated. In the next stage, the taking of biometric data of visa
applicants will be started in the Middle East region where embassy of the Republic of Latvia in
Israel is situated. The said embassies have purchased equipment for taking fingerprints of visa
applicants and, as soon as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs receives the software applicant from
the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs required for linking the biometric data
equipment with the National Visa Information System (NVIS), as well as required training to
use the equipment in practice, the biometric data taking equipment will be tested.
In 2010, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs worked for the successful
implementation of project "Development of the national VIS by ensuring the compliance of it
with the final technical documentation of the European Commission and provision of required
training to the users of the system" under the External Border Fund Programme 2009. In 2010,
within the framework of the project, an agreement was signed on the improvement of the
National Visa Information System, VisMail and Vision 133 , functionality, the first tests were
made with other Member States for testing the software. It is planned to develop a pilot project
of an e-questionnaire until the end of April 2011, and it is planned to start training in 2011 for
practical work with the Central Visa Information System and the National Visa Information
System in order to acquire the visa issuance process.
On 12 November 2010, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs signed an
agreement regarding development of a new electronic service: electronic application for a
Schengen visa, in order to ease the work of consular missions. It is planned to test the service in
a pilot project in June 2011, the other signed agreement provides the development of a new
system of invitations with completion date June 2011.
On 25 November 2010, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs announced a
procurement tender for the modernization of the National Visa Information System, in order to
purchase necessary equipment within the framework of the project and to start using the
equipment, according to the provisions of the Visa Code, necessary for taking biometric data
and reading of electronic travel documents. 134
Latvia as the Member State of the European Union and Schengen Agreement continues
its active participation in the cooperation for consular matters among the Member States of the
133 VisMail and Vision – consultation mechanisms about Schengen visas.
134 Information provided by officials of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

57
European Union and Schengen Agreement. Same as in the previous years, missions of the
Republic of Latvia abroad and particularly missions of Latvia situated outside the Schengen
area are increasingly focusing on the participation of responsible officials in local Schengen
cooperation meetings. Due to the local Schengen cooperation, missions of Latvia and other
Schengen Member States can not only exchange information quickly and detect those visa
applicants who submit visa applications without good fate, but also make decisions more
actively on what should be done to harmonize the reviewing of visa application in compliance
with the Schengen acquis.
In 2010, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued its work with other Schengen
Member States in order to agree on the possibilities of representation in countries where Latvia
does not have its diplomatic or consular mission, as well as consider the possibilities to
represent another Schengen Member State in the field of visas. As a result, in the field of visas
Latvia is represented by 7 Schengen Member States (Germany, Hungary, France, the
Netherlands, Slovenia, Slovakia, Lithuania and Estonia), which represent Latvia in 53 different
locations worldwide. But Latvia currently represents 7 Schengen Member States in the field of
Schengen visas (Hungary, France, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Lithuania, Estonia and Sweden)
in totally 8 locations worldwide. Latvia has developed good cooperation with other Member
States to the Schengen Agreement, thus the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans also in 2011 to
continue and to expand the started cooperation with Member States to the Schengen Agreement
in the field of representation of Schengen visas. 135
By taking into account that a large number of citizens of the Ukraine reside and enter
Latvia from various regions of the Ukraine, it is important to facilitate the procedure for
submission of visa applications by making it more accessible, therefore Latvia as the first
among the Schengen Member States decided to provide an opportunity to citizens of the
Ukraine to submit a visa application in all the regions of the Ukraine. In order to implement
this activity, the Latvian Embassy in Ukraine has started cooperation, from 1 December 2010,
with courier mail service Pony Express so that the citizens of the Ukraine from all the regions
of the Ukraine could send their visa applications to the Latvian Embassy by post.
However, also in future citizens of the Ukraine will have the right to visit the Latvian
Embassy in the Ukraine in Kiev for receiving a visa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs that this is the first project of this type
implemented in Ukraine. Until now, none of the Member States to the Schengen Agreement
135 Information provided by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

58
has provided opportunities to submit a visa application in all the regions of Ukraine. Following
the initiative of Latvia, the project is simultaneously implemented also by Estonia. The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs is confident that the implementation of this project will provide the
necessary conditions for residents of remote regions of Ukraine to enjoy more convenient and
accessible procedure for submission of visa applications, easier travel and facilitated personal
and business contacts.
In recent years, the State Border Guard has improved its capacity and has considerably
increased the number of activities internationally in the European Union by developing
bilateral cooperation with third countries, as well as by participating in international projects,
by passing the experience of the State Border Guards to developing countries in the field of
border safety.
In 2010, the State Border Guard participated and continues to participate in the
following international projects of assistance to third countries:
• In November 2009, the State Border Guard, within the framework of the project
financed by the European Commission and in partnership with the United Nations
Development Programme, in cooperation with border guard services of several other
countries, started its participation in the project under programme financed by the
European Commission Supporting Integrated Border Management Systems in the South
Caucasus (SCIBM) for provision of support to Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Being the project implementation partner, the State Border Guard expressed its
readiness to participate in the project implementation as the lead institution for
implementation of module 2 "Strengthening of Operational Techniques and
Procedures". The specific objectives of the module are: to inform officials of state
institutions about the concept of the integrated border management, to develop
procedure for exchange of information, to improve procedures at border crossing
points, to develop risk analysis, to develop procedure manuals and to implement also
other activities;
• In 2009, the State Border Guard participated actively in debates of the project of the
Eastern Partnership of the European Commission Integrated border management and
came up with a proposal to organise, in 2010, a few components in the project
preparation phase – to provide training to officials of the target countries of the Eastern
Partnership: Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan in the field
of document expertise. The said training seminar was organised in Riga on 14 April
2010. The State Border Guard expressed its readiness to undertake, for implementation

59
of the project and within the framework of sub-module "Training in the field of
counterfeit documents" of project module "Increasing of training capacity", to provide
several trainings to officials of the countries. the proposals were submitted to the
Eastern Partnership Division of the European Commission and received positive
feedback in the project evaluation meetings. implementation of the project is planned
till the end of 2012;
• On 13-17 September 2010, within the framework of the Border Management
Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA) which is financed by the European Commission
and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the
International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), training visit was
organised in the State Border Guard in order to introduce to a model of integrated
border management developed in Latvia, as well as best practices of cooperation among
institutions involved in provision of border security and control of movement of goods
on the Latvian state border. The event was attended by the highest rank officials of
border control institutions from the countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), as well as representatives of UNDP,
ICMPD. With the aim to participate as a trainer at the regional cynologists' training for
Central Asia border guard staff working with dogs who detect narcotic drugs and
explosives, an inspector of the Professional Preparation Division of the Cynology
Service, the College of the State Border Guard, was delegated to a work mission to
Uzbekistan (Tashkent) in October 2010;
The State Border Guard has signed cooperation agreements with Georgia, Moldova,
Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Belarus, on the basis of which regular cooperation is held among
management and experts of institutions.
Within its competence in 2010, criminal investigation units of the State Border Guard
have cooperated with related departments of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, as the countries of
origin of immigrants, as well as with related departments of Lithuania, Estonia and Finland as
the countries of transit of immigrants. 136
In order to ensure success of the Visa Code implementation process, in 2010,
representatives of competent institutions continued regular participation in the visa working
parties of the Council of the European Union and meetings of the Visa Committee organised by
the European Commission in Brussels, and informed consular officials in diplomatic and
136 Information provided by officials of the State Border Guard.

60
consular missions abroad regarding current issues and future plans in the field of issue of visas.
Taking into account the requirements of the Visa Code, current practice in embassies and
consular offices was evaluated and necessary developments as well as training of consular
officials was performed for successful start of application of the Visa Code. Attention of
consular officials was drawn also to the need to participate, within the framework of local
Schengen cooperation, in meetings of the Schengen Agreement member states in order to
discuss and agree on the matters to be harmonized in the procedure for review of visa
applications.
In order to comply with the provisions of Paragraph one, Article 6 of the Visa Code that
a visa application shall be examined and decided on by the consulate of the competent Member
State in whose jurisdiction the applicant legally resides, and in order to comply with the
amendment to Paragraph five of Section 13 of the Immigration Law regarding the delegation to
the Cabinet of Ministers to issue regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers that will specify the
territorial competence of diplomatic and consular missions of the Republic of Latvia abroad in
issuance of visas, the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of 3 August 2010 approved
Regulation No. 725 "Regulation on the Territorial Competence of Diplomatic and Consular
Missions of the Republic of Latvia in Requests of Visas" 137 which was developed by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The State Border Guard applies the Visa Code to full extent and, in 2010, has prepared
a range of internal regulatory documents to ensure the issue, annulment, cancellation of visas
according to the new regulation. The visa information system is being introduced in
cooperation with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs according to the plan of
introduction of the visa information system. 138
Starting from 5 April 2010, there are two categories of visas: entry or C category visa
and airport transit visa or A category visa. Until 4 April 2010, also B category visas were used,
and now such visas are replaced with C category visas with the purpose of entry: transit, but the
EU Visa Code does not regulate the procedure for issuance of long-term or D category visa, but
national legislation of Member States shall be applied to such visas also in the future. 139
In order to introduce the requirements of the Visa Code, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
will, in cooperation with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, amendments to the
137 Information provided by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
138 Information provided by officials of the State Border Guard.
139 Uzsākta Eiropas Savienības Vīzu kodeksa piemērošana (Application of the European Union Visa Code is
Started).// http://www.rs.gov.lv/index.phpid=993&sa=&top=0&doc=4622 - [see: 25.11.2010]

61
Immigration Law for submission thereof to the Stat Chancellery. The said amendment to the
Law would provide the procedure for motivation of refusing a visa as well as appeal against
refusal. 140
On 26 August 2010, the meeting of the State Secretaries announced a draft order which
provides the appointment of the Ministry of Interior as the responsible institution for
development of the European border surveillance system (EUROSUR). The purpose of this
system is to restrict the number of third-country nationals who travel illegally in the territory of
the European Union, to reduce the number of illegal immigrants who die when trying to cross
the sea borders of the European Union, as well as to increase the internal security in the
European Union by improving the prevention of cross-border crime. Simultaneously, the draft
order provides the task of the Ministrer of Interior to develop and to approve a plan for
introduction of the European border surveillance system. It is planned to appoint the Ministry
of Defence and the Ministry of Traffic as the responsible institutions in the project
implementation.
European border surveillance system is focused on the control of the external southern
and eastern borders of the European Union both on land and at sea, by envisaging the common
technical framework in order to improve the exchange of information among institutions of the
Member State and to promote the use of advanced technologies in border control and
monitoring. Financial support from the European Border Fund is available for the
implementation of activities.
Within the framework of the project and by using the funds of the European External
Border Fund, for instance, improvement of the current monitoring and surveillance system as
well as modernization of the state border monitoring systems is planned.
Through participation in the implementation of the project of the European border
surveillance system, the State Border Guard will become a part of the common European
Border Surveillance System, and through modernization will increase the operational planning
and response abilities on the external borders of the Republic of Latvia, in order to prevent
illegal crossing of the borders and to combat cross-border crime more efficiently. 141
140 Information provided by officials of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
141 Eiropas robežu novērošanas sistēmas ieviešanu koordinēs Iekšlietu ministrija (The Ministry of Interior Will
Coordinate the Introduction of the European Border Surveillance System).//
http://www.iem.gov.lv/lat/aktualitates/informacija_medijiem/doc=18907 - [see: 25.11.2010]

62
7. INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION AND ASYLUM
7.1. Changes in the National Perspective
In order to ensure the fulfilment of the provisions of the new Asylum Law, which
entered into force on 14 July 2009, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs and the
State Border Guard completed, in 2010, work for the preparation of draft regulations of the
Cabinet of Ministers according to the authorisation of the Cabinet of Ministers given under the
Asylum Law. In 2010, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted the following Cabinet of Ministers
regulations in the field of asylum.
On 30 January 2010, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.73 of 26 January 2010
"Regulations on the Standards of Accommodation of an Asylum Seeker who is Accommodated
in the Asylum Seekers’ Accommodation Premises of the State Border Guard, as well as
Amount of Hygiene and Basic Necessities Items" 142 entered into force, which determines
standards of accommodation of an asylum seeker who is accommodated in the asylum seekers’
accommodation premises of the State Border Guard, as well as amount of hygiene and basic
necessities items.
On 16 January 2010, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.23 of 12 January 2010
"Regulations regarding Support to a Refugee and Person to whom the Alternative Status has
been Granted" 143 entered into force, which determines the procedure for granting and payment
of an allowance to a refugee covering the costs of accommodation and acquisition of the state
language, as well as the procedure in accordance with which an allowance is granted and paid
to a person to whom the alternative status is granted, covering the costs of accommodation, as
well as the amount of such allowances.
On 16 January 2010, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.24 of 12 January 2010
"Regulations regarding Amount of Cost of Food, Hygiene and Basic Necessities Items for
Asylum Seekers and the Procedure of Reimbursement Thereof” 144 entered into force, which
determines the amount of cost of food, hygiene and basic necessities items for asylum seekers
and the procedure of reimbursement thereof.
On 30 January 2010, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.74 of 26 January 2010
"Procedure in Accordance with which Family of a Refugee or a Person with Granted
142 Published: The Latvian Herald, No.16, 29.01.2010.
143 Published: The Latvian Herald, No.8, 15.01.2010.
144 Published: The Latvian Herald, No.8, 15.01.2010.

63
Alternative Status or Temporary Protection is Reunified in the Republic of Latvia" 145 , entered
into force, which determines in accordance with which family of a refugee or a person with
granted alternative status or temporary protection is reunified in the Republic of Latvia. It must
be noted that the said procedure applies to persons who have not been detained.
On 6 February 2010, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.95 of 2 February 2010
"Regulation regarding Displacement Document Template for a Person with Granted Temporary
Protection, Procedure of Issue Thereof and Amount of Information Necessary for Exchange
Among Member States" 146 entered into force, which determines a displacement document
template for a person with granted temporary protection, procedure of issue thereof and amount
of information necessary for exchange among the EU Member States, in order to ensure
resettlement of the person.
On 27 February 2010, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.173 of 23 February 2010
“Internal Regulation of the Asylum Seekers’ Accommodation Centre” 147 entered into force,
which determines the procedure for accommodation and residence of asylum seekers in the
asylum seekers’ accommodation centre of the State Border Guard.
On 27 February 2010, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.174 of 23 February 2010
"Procedure for Ensuring the Opportunities to Acquire Education for a Minor Asylum
Seeker" 148 entered into force, which determines the procedure in accordance with which the
opportunity to acquire education is ensured to a minor asylum seeker.
On 6 March 2010, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.194 of 2 March 2010
"Regulations regarding a Personal Document of an Asylum Seeker and the Procedure for Issue
Thereof" 149 entered into force, which determines the personal document form of an asylum
seeker and the procedure for issue thereof.
On 13 March 2010, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.222 of 9 March 2010 "Internal
Regulations of the Asylum Seekers’ Accommodation Premises" 150 entered into force, which
determines the internal procedures of the asylum seekers’ accommodation premises of the State
Border Guard, as well as objects and substances that are prohibited for a detained asylum
seeker for storage in the accommodation premises.
145
Published: The Latvian Herald, No.16, 29.01.2010.
146 Published: The Latvian Herald, No.21, 05.02.2010.
147 Published: The Latvian Herald, No.33, 26.02.2010.
148 Published: The Latvian Herald, No.33, 26.02.2010.
149 Published: The Latvian Herald, No.37, 05.03.2010.
150 Published: The Latvian Herald, No.41, 12.03.2010.

64
On 27 March 2010, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 276 of 23 March 2010
"Requirements for the Equipping of Asylum Seekers’ Accommodation Premises for Asylum
Seekers Detained by the State Border Guard" 151 entered into force, which states the
requirements for the equipping the premises envisaged for accommodation of asylum seekers
detained by the State Border Guard. Accommodation premises shall be established in a
territorial structural unit of the State Border Guard.
On 1 July 2010, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.551 of 21 June 2010 "Amendment
to Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.194 of 2 March 2010 "Regulations regarding a Personal
Document of an Asylum Seeker and the Procedure for Issue Thereof"" 152 entered into force,
which supplements the amount of information to be included in a personal document of an
asylum seeker by providing a reference "Permitted to work without a work permit", if the
asylum seeker has not received, during a period of one year from the submission of an asylum
application, a decision from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs on granting of the
refugee status or the alternative status or rejection thereof. 153
In March 2010, non-governmental organization society "Patvērums "Drošā māja""
started the implementation of the project of the European Refugee Fund "NGO Support System
for Asylum Seekers and Refugees". Within the framework of the European Refugee Fund,
society "Patvērums "Drošā māja"" in cooperation with society "Dialogi.lv" publishes, on a
regular basis, newsletters about the matters related to life of refugees and asylum seekers in
Latvia. 154
7.2. Changes in the European Union Perspective
Until now, Latvia is not involved in activities related to resettlement of persons who
have received international protection in a Member State of the European Union. At the same
time, Latvia supports the solidarity policy of the European Union in relation to the need for
voluntary activities in order to support those Member States which have faced extreme and
disproportionate pressure in their national asylum systems and, following the principle of
151 Published: The Latvian Herald, No.49, 26.03.2010.
152 Published: The Latvian Herald, No.100, 28.06.2010.
153 Executive summary to Cabinet of Ministers draft regulation “Amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers
Regulation No.194 of 2 March 2010 "Regulations regarding a Personal Document of an Asylum Seeker and the
Procedure for Issue Thereof"".// http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40176244 – [see: 14.05.2010]
154 Šogad martā nevalstiskā organizācija „Patvērums „Drošā māja””sāka īstenot Eiropas Bēgļu fonda projektu
„NVO atbalsta sistēma patvēruma meklētājiem un bēgļiem”. (Non-governmental organization "Patvērums "Drošā
māja"" started the implementation of project "NGO Support System for Asylum Seekers and Refugees”) of the
European Refugee Fund in March this year).// http://www.patverums-dm.lv/index.phplang+lv&id=25 – [see:
25.11.2010]

65
voluntary participation, Latvia is ready to engage in future activities related to the
implementation of the resettlement programmes 155 .
In order to strengthen the cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR), the State Border Guard has prepared a draft Memorandum of
Understanding in order to improve the exchange of information, as well as provision of
necessary support to persons who wish to obtain international protection.
By using attracted financing from the European Refugee Fund, the Office of
Citizenship and Migration Affairs has, within the framework of the project of European
Refugee Fund "Improvement of the quality of asylum procedures", voluminous book
"Comments to the Asylum Law" 156 with explanations that will enable the further improvement
of not only the quality of the asylum procedure, but will also significantly facilitate the daily
work of employees involved in the asylum system in border guard, courts, ministries and other
migration services. The purpose of the voluminous publication is to promote the understanding
by employees working in state administration institutions and courts of the application and
interpretation of the provisions of the Asylum Law.
Within the framework of this project, training seminars were also organized in the
previous year regarding the procedure of application of the Asylum Law for judges of
administrative regional courts and employees of other involved state administration
institutions. 157
On 28 December, 2010 Society “Shelter “Safe House”” started an implementation of
the project “I Stay in Latvia!” within the framework of the European Refugee Fund (ERF).
Aim of the project is to foster the adaptation and inclusion of the refugees and persons with the
alternative status in the Latvian society. The project will be implemented from December 2010
till June 2011. Project “I Stay in Latvia!” is a follow-up to the project implemented in 2009
“NGOs Support System to Asylum Seekers and Refugees” within the framework of the ERF
and activities are directed to the continuation of integration of the target group. Within the
project refugees and persons with alternative status for seven months will be provide with
medical, psychological, material, legal and other support. It is envisaged that within the project
following aims will be achieved: acquisition of accommodation for the members of the target
155 Information provided by officials of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
156 Gromovs J., Patvēruma likuma komentāri (Comments to the Asylum Law).//Riga: Office of Citizenship and
Migration Affairs,2009.-p. 301.
157 PMLP izdod grāmatu ar Patvēruma likuma komentāriem (The OCMA Issues a Book with Comments to the
Asylum Law).// http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/news/news_id=486 -[see: 24.11.2010]

66
group when they start living independently; represenatives of local authorities will be
introduced with the integration of refugees in Latvia. 158
On 13-14 September 2010, State Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Ilze Pētersone
participated in the Conference of Ministers "Quality and efficiency in the asylum process"
which was held in Belgium, Brussels. Within the framework of the Conference of Ministers,
which was organized by the Belgium’s Presidency, discussions were made about the internal
solidarity of Europe, further development of the European Asylum Support Bureau, reception
of asylum seekers with special needs. State Secretary Ilze Pētersone indicated that balance
should be reached between the regulatory framework and practical cooperation, primarily, in
the field of exchange of best experience and information, in order to find appropriate solution
by taking into account national peculiarities and situation in each Member State. In the field of
practical cooperation, along with exchange of best experience and information, the importance
of common training should be specially emphasised, in order to reach common understanding
and coordinated decisions in all Member States. 159
In the opinion of Latvia, in relation to the operation of the European Asylum Support
Bureau, attention should be paid to activities that strengthen the practical cooperation of
Member State. Emphasis should be placed on activities related to exchange of information,
support to organization of trainings for representatives of Member States’ administrative
authorities, courts and tribunals, as well as employees of institutions responsible for the field of
asylum 160 .
The State Border Guard implements project "Improving of living conditions in the
asylum seekers’ accommodation premises of the State Border Guard in Ventspils and
Daugavpils departments and in the detained third-country nationals’ centre "Olaine"" within
the framework of the European Refugee Fund.
The purpose of the project is to ensure asylum seekers with suitably equipped premises
that would increase the capacity of asylum seekers’ accommodations would satisfy social needs
158 Projekta „Es palieku Latvijā” ietvaros četru reģionu pašvaldības tiks iepazīstinātas ar bēgļu integrāciju Latvijā
(Four regional authorities will be introduced to the integration of the refugees in Latvia within the framework of
the project „I Stay in Latvia!”).// http://www.patverums-dm.lv/new.phplang=lv&id=1&n_id=73-[sk.20.01.2011.]
159 IeM valsts sekretāre pauž Latvijas nostāju patvēruma politikas jautājumos (The State Secretary of the Ministry
of Interior Express the Position of Latvia in Asylum Policy).//
http://iem.gov.lv/lat/aktualitates/informacija_medijiem/doc=19035 - [see: 24.11.2010]
160 Ibid.

67
of asylum seekers and improve the living conditions of asylum seekers who have been detained
and are accommodated in the premises of the State Border Guard. 161
40 officials of the State Border Guard improved their qualification regarding the best
practices of the EU Member States in identification and interviewing of asylum seekers,
drawing up of reception documents, and familiarised the best practices in operation of asylum
seekers’ centres. 162
In 2010, within the framework of the EU training programmes in the field of asylum,
employees of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs programme "Assessment of
Evidences", within the framework of which employees related to the field of asylum were
offered an opportunity to gain practical skills – how to work, to acquire and assess objective
and subjective information related to the field of asylum, to assess the differences in culture,
gender and linguistic differences of a candidate in order to make a decision on provision of
international protection to the person. Employees of the Office of Citizenship and Migration
Affairs plan to acquire training courses offered by the European Union in the field of asylum
also in the future, for instance, preparation of information, decisions of countries of origin, as
the Dublin Regulation. 163
161 Robežsardze realizē projektu Eiropas bēgļu fonda ietvaros (the State Boarder Guard Implements a Project
within the framework of the European Refugees Fund).// http://iem.gov.lv/lat/aktualitātes/jaunumi/doc=192902 -
[see: 24.11.2010]
162 Information provided by officials of the State Border Guard.
163 Information provided by officials of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

68
8. UNACCOMPANIED MINORS
8.1. Changes in the National Perspective
Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.958 of 12 October 2010 "Visa Regulations"
provides, according to the practice of other countries, that minors who enter Latvia and are not
accompanied by parents or guardians need a permit issued by the parent or guardian and
certified by notary, however it may also not be required if the parent or guardian has submitted
a written permit in the presence of an official to a mission of Latvia or the Office of Citizenship
and Migration Affairs, by prolonging the term of a visa. 164
9. GLOBAL APPROACH TO MIGRATION
9.1. Changes in the European Union Perspective
Latvia has signed several agreements with third countries regarding cooperation in the
field of prevention and combating of organized crime that mostly envisage also the opportunity
for cooperation also in the field of prevention and combating of illegal migration.
On 29 October 2010, Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvian
and the Government of the Republic of Armenia on Cooperation in the Fight against
Terrorism, Organized Crime and Illegal Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and
Precursors as well as Other Criminal Offences 165 entered into force, which was adopted by
Saeima on 10 December 2009. The parties of the Agreement agreed to collaborate in the fight
against criminal offences to morality and sexual offence, sexual exploitation, particularly of
children, criminal offences related to illegal immigration.
On 22 July 2010, Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvian and
the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania on Cooperation in the Fight against
Terrorism, Organized Crime, Illegal Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and
Precursors 166 entered into force, which was adopted by Saeima on 16 December 2009.
Pursuant to the national legislation of the parties to the Agreement and in compliance with the
164
Apstiprina jaunu vīzu izsniegšanas kārtību (New Procedure for Issue of Visas is Approved).//
http://www.rs.gov.lv//id=35&sa=&top=-1&rel=1479 – [see: 15.10.2010]
165 Internationals document "Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government
of the Republic of Armenia on Cooperation in Fight against Terrorism, Organized Crime and Illegal Narcotic
Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors, as well as Other Criminal Offences".//The Latvian Herald, No.82,
26.05.2010.
166 International document "Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Council of
Ministers of the Republic of Albania on Co-operation in Combating Terrorism, Organized Crime, Illicit
Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors".// The Latvian Herald, No.99,
22.06.2010.

69
provisions of the Agreement, the parties shall cooperate in the fight against terrorism,
organized crime, illegal narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors.
In 2010, the competent Latvian authorities have commenced the process of harmonization
of the following agreements:
• Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of
the Republic of Belarus regarding the regime of the Latvia—Belarus state border;
• Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of
the Russian Federation regarding places of crossing the Latvian-Russian state border. 167
Since agreements regarding cooperation in the field of prevention and combating of
organised crime envisage also potential cooperation in the field of prevention and combating of
illegal migration, draft agreements of the above-mentioned field with Russian, Tajikistan and
Turkmenistan are in the process of harmonization
All third-country nationals have the same rights to be employed in Latvia, in accordance
with the procedure for employment of third-country nationals included in the Immigration Law
and related Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers.
The State Border Guard, within the framework of the "Agreement between the State
Border Guard of the Republic of Latvia and the Federal Migration Service of the Russian
Federation Regarding Cooperation in the Field of Combating Illegal Immigration", has
organised two visits of exchange of experience in 2010 that were related to the matters of
accommodation of illegal immigrants. The State Border Guard, within the framework of the
joint working party of Latvia and Russia for fight against illegal migration in 2010 has made
exchange of updated information between Latvia and Russia and has organised exchange of
risk analysis data between the State Border Guard and Pskov Regional Authority of the Federal
Security Services of the Russian Federation and Russian Federation. In 2010 within the
framework of the cooperation plan, meeting with representatives of the Border Guard
Committee of Belarus was organised in order to share experience of the State Border Guard
and the best practice in the field of immigration control. 168
Latvia is one of the member states which have signed the European Union Mobility
Partnership with Georgia which is one of the priority countries for Latvia in the framework of
the EU Neighbourhood Policy and the Development Cooperation Policy. Within the framework
167 Information provided by officials of the Ministry of Interior.
168 Information provided by officials of the State Border Guard.

70
of the Mobility Partnership with Georgia, in the end of 2009 Latvia implemented a project
aimed to strengthen the institutional capacity of Georgia in matters of migration and population
register, by organising a training visit for 5 officials of Georgia. Besides, in spring of 2010, the
Border Guard of Latvia organised a training seminar about security of travel documents and
detection of counterfeit documents, which was attended by representatives of the Border Guard
of Georgia. Concurrently with the said activities, the State Border Guard in cooperation with
FRONTEX agency is addressing the possibility of implementing a project in the field of border
management, namely, to provide aid to establishment of the Cynology Service of the Border
Guard of Georgia and its further development.
On 11-14 October 2010, three leading officials of the Moldovan judicial system visited
Latvia within the framework of the development cooperation project. The project aimed to
provide support to the strengthening of the rule of law, democracy and administrative capacity
of Moldova. During the visit for exchange of experience, the representatives of Moldova
familiarised themselves with the work organisation of the Latvian judicial system institutions
and met officials of the Supreme Court, the Riga Regional Court, the Court Administration,
and the Latvian Judicial Training Centre. Moldova as the key current objective has set its
integration to the European Union, thus the implementation of this project made a positive
contribution to the course of reforms in Moldova. The project was implemented by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Court Administration with Court
Administration.
It must be admitted that, due to the lack of funds for development cooperation projects
in 2010, involvement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the field of development
cooperation projects regarding migration has been limited. 169
On 21 December 2010 the Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee of the Saeima
decided to make amendments in laws and regulations to make the Office of Citizenship and
Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Interior responsible for decision making for granting of the
politically repressed persons status in order to prevent ungrounded granting of the status and
provide qualitative process for granting of the status. 170
169 Information provided by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
170 Saeima komisija vienojas par politiski represētās personas statusa piešķiršanas centralizāciju. (Committee of
the Saeima Agrees on Centralizing the Granting Procedure of Politically Repressed Person’s Status).//
http://www.lv.lv/index.phpmenu=doc&sub=pr&id=223100 – [see: 17.01.2011.]

71
10. IMPLEMENTATION OF EUROPEAN UNION LEGISLATION
Also in the year 2010, Saeima and the Cabinet of Ministers, within their competence,
developed and adopted new regulatory enactments, as well as made amendments to the existing
regulatory enactments by ensuring inclusion of specific European Union legal acts in national
regulatory enactments.
This section continues to describe the progress of implementation of those European
Union legal acts in the Latvian legal system, the transposition of which was started or continues
in the year 2010.
Information about the process of transposition of European Union legal acts in
legislation of Latvia that are issued in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009, is available in the policy
reports on the migration and asylum situation in Latvia in reference years 2006, 2007, 2008,
and 2009 which can be found and downloaded from the homepage of the EMN Latvian contact
point.
In 2010, 15 new legal acts were added to the collection of the European Union legal
acts: 5 regulations and 10 decisions. From those, 2 in the field of asylum, 2 in the field of
external orders, 3 in the field of visas, 1 in the field of immigration, 1 in the field of illegal
immigration and return, and 4 in the field of Schengen.
Same as in 2009, also in 2010 large in numbers transposition of legislation containing
European Union legal acts was not performed in regulatory enactments of Latvia because
contrary to the previous years, for only few European Union legal acts term of transposition
was 2010.
Following acts were transposed in 2010:
‣ Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16
December 2008 on common standards and procedures in Member States for
returning illegally staying third-country nationals.
The State Border Guard is the institution responsible for the adoption of Directive
2008/115/EC and has prepared Draft law "Amendment to the Immigration Law" as well as
continues the work to develop the subordinate Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers. 171 The
171 Information provided by officials of the State Border Guard.

72
Draft law "Amendment to the Immigration Law" was reviewed by the Cabinet of Minster on 21
December, 2010 and will be submitted to the Saeima.
‣ European Council Regulation No. 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 laying down a uniform
format for residence permits for third-country nationals. 172
In May 2009, European Council Regulation No. 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 laying
down a uniform format for residence permits for third-country nationals entered into force,
which determines a uniform format for residence permits for third-country nationals. The said
amendments provide an obligation to the EU Member States to start, within 24 months
meaning by May 2011, issuing of residence permits for third-country nationals in a smart card
format by including biometric data. To increase the effectiveness of investment to
infrastructure, EU Member States plan to introduce new identification cards simultaneously
with residence permit cards because, after the introduction of electronic passports (– e–
passports) with person’s biometric data, it is necessary to harmonize the security of personal
identification documents and travel documents, in order such identification cards would not
become the bottleneck.
The Electronic Documents Law, which adopts Directive 1999/93/EC of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 1999 on a Community framework for electronic
signatures 173 , as well as Cabinet of Ministers regulations that have been issued accordingly, is
sufficient legal basis to include secure electronic signature creation data in electronic
identification cards and to regulate the use of such data for signing e-documents. 174
On 12 January 2010, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the concept of electronic
identification cards which was prepared by the Ministry of Regional Development and Local
Government, which provides the introduction of new personal identification documents:
electronic identification cards. The European Union has determined the procedure for all the
Member States to issue residence permits in the format of electronic identification cards
starting from May of the next year. 175
172 Published: The Official Journal, L 157/1, 15.06.2002.
173 Published: The Official Journal, L 013, 19.01.2000.
174 Cabinet of Ministers Order No. 62 of 10 February 2010 "Concept of Electronic Identification Cards".//The
Latvian Herald, No.25, 12.02.2010.
175 Zaļā gaisma alternatīvai pasei (Green Light for Alternative Passport).//http://zinas.nra.lv/Latvia/16709-zalagaisma-alternativai-pasei.htm
- [see: 30.11.2010]

73
The concept developed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Local
Government provides that the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs will ensure the
issuance of electronic identification cards but a private partner will ensure the functions of a
reliable certification service provider. 176
In 2010, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs has organised and completed
procurement procedure "Issue and delivery of blanks of personal certificates (electronic
identification cards and electronic residence permit cards)" as well as has prepared draft law
"Personal Identification Documents Law" that was announced in the meeting of the State
Secretaries on 30 December, 2010. Within the framework of the draft law the matters related to
the issue of electronic identification cards will be specified. Electronic identification cards will
be issued as personal identification documents but electronic identification cards will be issued
to third-country nationals as a personal identification certificate with a residence permit,
pursuant to European Council Regulation No. 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002. 177
‣ Council Directive 2009/50/EC of 25 May 2009 on the conditions of entry and
residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment
(Blue Card Directive). 178
On 27 May 2010, the meeting of the State Secretaries announced the draft law
"Amendment to the Immigration Law", which was developed in order to introduce Council
Directive 2009/50/EC of 25 May 2009 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country
nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment (henceforth – the Blue Card
Directive). The above-mentioned amendment includes the requirements of the Blue Card
Directive. The draft law includes the definition of the Blue Card of the European Union,
periods have been specified for requesting a Blue Card of the European Union, and the rights
have been specified for third-country national who holds a valid European Union Blue Card
issued in another Member State of the European Union and who requests such a status in the
Republic of Latvia, to reside in the Republic of Latvia during the review of documents. By
implementing the Blue Card Directive, which must be completed in Latvia by 19 June 2010,
the first steps will be made towards the introduction of circular migration. Moreover, in general
more favourable conditions will be introduce in Latvia for receiving and using an European
176 Electronic ID karšu ieviešana izmaksās 9,21 miljonu latu (Introduction of Electronic ID Cards Will Cost 9.21
Million Lats).// http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/190948 - [see: 30.11.2010]
177 Information provided by officials of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
178 Published: The Official Journal, L 155, 18.06.2009.

74
Union Blue Card than provided in the very Directive. 179 Saeima adopted draft law
"Amendment to the Immigration Law" in the 1st reading on 25 November 2010.
The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs has also prepared a draft law
“Amendment to the Law “On Status of Permanent Resident of the European Community in the
Republic of Latvia”” 180 , the purpose of which is the transposition of the provisions of the
above-mentioned Direction, aligning of terminology with the Lisbon Agreement, an
opportunity for non-citizens of Latvia to obtain a status, as well as other technical
amendments. 181
‣ Directive 2009/52/EC of the European Parliament and of the Councils of 18 June
2009 providing for minimum standards on sanctions and measures against employers
of illegally staying third-country nationals. 182
Currently, Paragraph eight of Section 37 of the Labour Law transposes Clause 1 of
Article 3 of Directive 2009/52/EC of the European Parliament and of the Councils of 18 June
2009. In order to fully transpose the requirements of Directive 2009/52/EC, draft law
"Amendment to the Labour Law", draft law "Amendment to the Criminal Law" and draft law
"Amendment to the Associations and Foundations Law" have been developed. The abovementioned
draft laws were submitted and announced at the meeting of the State Secretaries on
28 October 2010. In compliance with protocol decision No. 42 of the meeting of the State
Secretaries of 28 October 2010, the Ministry of Welfare has been assigned the task of
coordination of the draft laws and their executive summaries and of submission of coordinated
drafts to the State Chancellery. 183
‣ Regulation 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009
establishing a Community Code on Visas. 184
179 Bērziņa K., Īstermiņa un cirkulārā migrācija Latvijā: empīriskās liecības, pašreizējā politiskā prakse un
nākotnes iespējas (Short-term and Circular Migrations in Latvia: Empirical Evidence, Current Political Practice
and Future Opportunities).// European migrations network, Riga, October 2010. – Available on:
http://emn.lv/lv/pdf/2010/Circular_Migration_2010.LV.pdf - [see: 16.11.2010]
180 Draft law “Amendments to the Law “On Status of Permanent Resident of the European Community in the
Republic of Latvia””.//
http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/news/normativie_projects.htmlnews_id=583-[see: 05.10.2010]
181
Executive summary to draft law “Amendments to the Law “On Status of Permanent Resident of the European
Community in the Republic of Latvia””.//
http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/news/normativie_projects.htmlnews_id=583-[see: 05.10.2010]
182 Published: The Official Journal, L 168, 30.06.2009.
183 Information provided by officials of the Ministry of Welfare.
184 Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a
Community Code on Visas (Visa Code).// Official Journal, L 243 , 15.09.2009.

75
Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.958 "Visa Regulations" of 12 October 2010, which
has been issued in compliance with Paragraph three of Section 3, Clause 3 of Paragraph one of
Section 12, Paragraphs three and four of Section 13 of the Immigration Law, harmonizes the
procedure for issuance of national or long-term visas of Latvia with the practice of Schengen
visa issuance, and it also reduces the administrative burden.

76
Sources:
LIST OF USED LITERATURE AND SOURCES
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‣ Administrative Procedure Law.// The Latvian Herald, No.164, 14.11.2001.
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Latvia".// The Latvian Herald, No.107, 07.07.2006.
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No. 51/52, 31.03.2010.
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[valid from 01.07.2010]
‣ Deklarācija par Valda Dombrovska vadītā Ministru kabineta iecerēto darbību
(Declaration about the Activities Planned by the Cabinet of Ministers of Valdis
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http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/darbibu-reglamentejosiedocumenti/valdibasd/
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‣ International document "Agreement between the Government of the Republic of
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against Terrorism, Organized Crime and Illegal Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic
Substances and Precursors as well as Other Criminal Offences".//The Latvian Herald,
No.82, 26.05.2010.
‣ International document "Agreement between the Government of the Republic of
Latvian and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania on Cooperation in the

77
Fight against Terrorism, Organized Crime, Illegal Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic
Substances and Precursors".// The Latvian Herald, No.99, 22.06.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.23 of 12 January 2010 "Regulations regarding
Support to a Refugee and Person to whom the Alternative Status has been Granted".//
The Latvian Herald, No.8, 15.01.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.24 of 12 January 2010 "Regulations regarding
Amount of Cost of Food, Hygiene and Basic Necessities Items for Asylum Seekers and
the Procedure of Reimbursement Thereof".// The Latvian Herald, No.8, 15.01.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.74 of 26 January 2010 "Procedure in Accordance
with which Family of a Refugee or a Person with Granted Alternative Status or
Temporary Protection is Reunified in the Republic of Latvia".// The Latvian Herald,
No.16, 29.01.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.73 of 26 January 2010 "Regulations on the
Standards of Accommodation of an Asylum Seeker who is Accommodated in the
Asylum Seekers’ Accommodation Premises of the State Border Guard, as well as
Amount of Hygiene and Basic Necessities Items".// The Latvian Herald, No.16,
29.01.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.95 of 2 February 2010 "Regulation regarding
Displacement Document Template for a Person with Granted Temporary Protection,
Procedure of Issue Thereof and Amount of Information Necessary for Exchange
Among Member States". // The Latvian Herald, No.21, 05.02.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.155 of 2 February 1999 “Procedure for the
Submission and Review of the Application on the Recognition of a Child to Be a
Citizen of Latvia regarding Recognition of a Child as a Citizen of Latvia". // The
Latvian Herald, No.33, 26.02.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 153 of 16 February 2010 "Amendment to Cabinet
of Ministers Regulation No. 811 of 3 October 2003 "Regulation on the Office of
Citizenship and Migration Affairs"".// The Latvian Herald, No.40, 11.03.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.156 of 16 February 2010 "Amendment to Cabinet
of Ministers Regulation No. 353 of 29 May 2007 "Regulations on the Examination of
the Latvian Language Skills, the Main Provisions of Satversme of the Republic of

78
Latvia, Text of the National Anthem, and Latvian History Skills as Stated in the Law on
Citizenship"".// The Latvian Herald, No.33, 26.02.2010.
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of Ministers Regulation No. 34 of 2 February 1999 “Procedure for the Acceptance and
Review of Naturalisation Applications"".// The Latvian Herald, No.38, 09.03.2010.
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the Asylum Seekers’ Accommodation Centre".// The Latvian Herald, No.33,
26.02.2010.
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the Opportunities to Acquire Education for a Minor Asylum Seeker".// The Latvian
Herald, No.33, 26.02.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.194 of 2 March 2010 "Regulations regarding a
Personal Document of an Asylum Seeker and the Procedure for Issue Thereof".// The
Latvian Herald, No.37, 05.03.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.222 of 9 March 2010 "Internal Regulations of the
Asylum Seekers’ Accommodation Premises".// The Latvian Herald, No.41, 12.03.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 276 of 23 March 2010 "Requirements for the
Equipping of Asylum Seekers’ Accommodation Premises for Asylum Seekers Detained
by the State Border Guard",.// The Latvian Herald, No.49, 26.03.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 459 of 18 May 2010 "Regarding the Memorandum
of Understanding on the Participation in the Public Key Directory (ICAO PKD) of
Electronic Machine Readable Documents ICAO".// The Latvian Herald, No. 87,
02.06.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.550 of 21 June 2010 "Regulations regarding the
Amount of Necessary Financial Means for a Foreigner and Procedures for the
Determination of the Existence of Financial Means".// The Latvian Herald, Nr 100,
28.06.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.551 of 21 June 2010 "Amendment to Cabinet of
Ministers Regulation No.194 of 2 March 2010 "Regulations regarding a Personal
Document of an Asylum Seeker and the Procedure for Issue Thereof"".// The Latvian
Herald, No.100, 28.06.2010.

79
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 552 of 21 June 2010 "Procedures for Approval of
Invitations and Drawing up of Written Requests".// The Latvian Herald, Nr 100,
28.06.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.554 of 21 June 2010 "Regulations regarding the
Countries of Citizens for Whom Additional Examination is Performed in Issuance of a
Visa or Residence Permit".// The Latvian Herald, No. 100, 28.06.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.549 of 21 June 2010 "Amendment to Cabinet of
Ministers Regulation No. 365 of 26 May 2008 “Procedure for Examination of Available
Information in Reviewing of Documents for Request of a Visa or a Residence Permit of
a Third-Country National"".// The Latvian Herald, No. 100, 28.06.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.571 of 21 June, 2010 "Regulations Regarding the
State Fee for Examination of the Documents Necessary for the Requesting a Visa,
Residence Permit or the Status of a Permanent Resident of the European Community in
the Republic of Latvia and the Services Related Thereto".// The Latvian Herald,
No.101, 29.06.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.675 of 27 July 2010 "Regulations for Technical
Means Required for Border Control and Border Monitoring".// The Latvian Herald, No.
120, 30.07.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.725 of 3 August, 2010 "Regulation on the
Territorial Competence of Diplomatic and Consular Missions of the Republic of Latvia
in Requests of Visas".// The Latvian Herald, No.127, 12.08.2010.
‣ 2010 Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.958 of 12 October 2010 "Visa Regulations".//
The Latvian Herald, No.164, 15.10.2010.
‣ Cabinet of Ministers Order No. 62 of 10 February 2010 "Concept of Electronic
Identification Cards". // The Latvian Herald, No.25, 12.02.2010.
‣ 10. Saeimas vēlēšanas (The 10th Saeima Election).//
http://web.cvk.lv/pub/public/29642.html - [see: 20.10.2010]
‣ Amendment to the Immigration Law.//
http://titania.saeima.lv/LIVS10/SaeimaLIVS10.nsf/webSasaisteOpenView&restricttoca
tegory=28/Lp10 - [see: 07.12.2010]

80
‣ Executive summary to draft law "Amendment to the Immigration Law".//
http://ww.saeima.lv/saeima9/lasadd=LP1001_0 – [see: 10.03.2009]
‣ Executive summary to draft law "Amendment to the Immigration Law".//
http://titania.saeima.lv/LIVS/SaeimaLIVS.nsf/0/A4AE4F3C05CC28E2C22575F004311
B3OpenDocument- [see: 27.08.2009]
‣ Draft law “Amendment to Law “On Status of Permanent Resident of the European
Community in the Republic of Latvia””.//
http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/news/normativie_projekti.htmlnews_id=583-[sk.
05.10.2010.]
‣ Executive summary to draft law “Amendment to Law “On Status of Permanent
Resident of the European Community in the Republic of Latvia””.//
http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/news/normativie_projects.htmlnews_id=583- [see:
05.10.2010]
‣ Draft law “Regarding the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of
Latvia and the Government of the Republic of Belarus on the Simplifying the Mutual
Visits of Residents of the Frontier Territories”.//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40164486&mode=mk&date=2010-08-10 – [sk.
11.08.2010.]
‣ Executive summary to draft law "Regarding the Agreement between the Government of
the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Republic of Belarus on the
Simplifying the Mutual Visits of Residents of the Frontier Territories".//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40164486&mode=mk&date=2010-08-10 – [see:
11.08.2010]
‣ Executive summary to draft law "Amendment to the Labour Law".//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40194425- [see: 24.11.2010]
‣ Executive summary to draft law "Amendment to the Latvian Administrative Violations
Code".// http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40194426 - [see: 24.11.2010]
‣ Executive summary to draft law "Amendment to the Criminal Law".//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40194427 - [see: 24.11.2010]
‣ Draft law "Amendment to the Immigration
Law".//http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40178026 – [see: 24.11.2010]

81
‣ Executive summary to Cabinet of Ministers draft regulation "Amendment to Cabinet of
Ministers Regulation No. 811 of 3 October 2006 "Regulation of the Office of
Citizenship and Migration Affairs"".// http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40163587
– [see: 29.01.2010]
‣ Executive summary to Cabinet of Ministers draft regulation "Regulations regarding
Residence Permits".// http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40176253 – [see:
14.05.2010]
‣ Executive summary to Cabinet of Ministers draft regulation "Procedures for Approval
of Invitations and Drawing up of Written Requests".//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40176255- [see: 14.05.2010]
‣ Executive summary to Cabinet of Ministers draft regulation "Regulations Regarding
Work Permits for Third-country Nationals".//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40176254- [see: 14.05.2010]
‣ Executive summary to Cabinet of Ministers draft regulation "Amendment to Cabinet of
Ministers Regulation No. 365 of 26 May 2008 “Procedure for Examination of
Available Information in Reviewing of Documents for Request of a Visa or a Residence
Permit of a Third-Country National"".//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40176245 – [see: 14.05.2010]
‣ Executive summary to Cabinet of Ministers draft regulation " Procedure in accordance
with which the State Border Guard Performs Border Monitoring Tasks at Sea by the
Use of Technical Means, Floating Means and Aircrafts of the National Armed
Forces".// http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40180559&mode=mk&date=2010-11-
30 – [see: 01.12.2010]
‣ Executive summary to Cabinet of Ministers draft regulation "Regulations regarding the
Amount of Necessary Financial Means for a Foreigner and Procedures for the
Determination of the Existence of Financial Means".//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40176246 – [see: 14.05.2010]
‣ Executive summary to Cabinet of Ministers draft regulation "Amendment to Cabinet of
Ministers Regulation No. 34 of 2 February 1999 “Procedure for the Acceptance and
Review of Naturalisation Applications"".//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40163583- [see: 29.01.2010]

82
‣ Executive summary to Cabinet of Ministers draft regulation "Amendment to Cabinet of
Ministers Regulation No.194 of 2 March 2010 "Regulations regarding a Personal
Document of an Asylum Seeker and the Procedure for Issue Thereof"".//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/pid=40176244 – [see: 14.05.2010]
‣ Directive 1999/93/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December
1999 on a Community framework for electronic signatures.// Official Journal, L 013,
19.01.2000.
‣ Treaty establishing the European Community (Consolidated Version).// Official Journal
C 325, 24.12.2002.
‣ European Council Regulation No. 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 laying down a uniform
format for residence permits for third-country nationals.// Official Journal, L 157/1,
15.06.2002.
‣ Council Directive 2003/109/EC of 25 November 2003 concerning the status of thirdcountry
nationals who are long-term residents of a member state.// Official Journal, L
016, 23.01.2004.
‣ Council Decision No.2008/381/EC of 14 May 2008 establishing the European
Migration Network.// Official Journal, L 131, 21.05.2008.
‣ Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December
2008 on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally
staying third-country nationals.// Official Journal, L 348/98, 24.12.2008.
‣ Council Directive 2009/50/EC of 25 May 2009 on the conditions of entry and residence
of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment.// Official
Journal, L 155, 18.06.2009.
‣ Directive 2009/52/EC of the European Parliament and of the Councils of 18 June 2009
providing for minimum standards on sanctions and measures against employers of
illegally staying third-country nationals.// Official Journal, L 168, 30.06.2009.
‣ Regulation 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009
establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code).// Official Journal, L 243 ,
15.09.2009.

83
Literature:
‣ Apstiprina jaunu vīzu izsniegšanas kārtību (New Procedure for Visa Issuance
Confirmed.// http://www.rs.gov.lv//id=35&sa=&top=-1&rel=1479 – [see:
15.10.2010]
‣ Aptauja: iedzīvotāji atbalsta atvieglotu ieceļošanu investoriem. (Surveyl: Inhabitants
Support Facilitated Entry for Investors)//
http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/aptauja-iedzivotaji-supporta-atvieglotuiecelosanu-investoriem.did=31087847
– [see: 07.04.2010]
‣ Bērziņa K., Īstermiņa un cirkulārās migrācijas Latvijā: Empīriskās liecības, pašreizējā
politiskā prakse un nākotnes iespējas (Short-term and Cicular Migrations in Latvia:
Empirical Evidence, Current Political Practice and Future Opportunities).// European
migrations network, Riga, October 2010. – Available on:
http://emn.lv/lv/pdf/2010/Circular_Migration_2010.LV.pdf - [see: 16.11.2010]
‣ Fridrihsone M., Izsniedzot uzturēšanās atļaujas apmaiņā pret investīcijām, cer radīt
5000 darbavietu (By Issuing Residence Permits in Exchange to Investment, Hope to
Create 5,000 Jobs).// http://www.db.lv/2/a/2010/01/14/Izsniedzot_uztureshanas_at -
[see: 14.01.2010]
‣ De facto: konstatēti pirmie fiktīvie darījumi, mēģinot tikt pie uzturēšanās atļaujām (The
First Fictitious Deals Detected Trying to Obtain Residence Permits).//
http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/de-facto-konstateti-pirmie-fikhtivie-darijumimeginot-tikt-pie-uzturesanas-atlaujam.did=35295796
– [see: 21.11.2010]
‣ Egle I., Pikets pie Saeimas pret Imigrācijas likuma grozījumiem: "Latvija vārti
bandītiem uz Eiropu (Protest at the Saeima Building Against the Amendment to the
Immigration Law: "Latvia – the Gate for Racketeers to Europe)".//
http://www.diena.lv/lat/politics/hot/pikets-pie-saeimas-Latvia-varti-banditiem-uz-eiropu
- [see: 04.03.2010]

84
‣ Eiropas Atgriešanās fonda 2009.gada programmas projects “Nelegālo imigrantu lietu
digitālā arhīva izveidošana un attīstīšana”.//
http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/par_pmlp/projects/ERF_arhivs.html - [10.12.2010]
‣ European Fund for the Integration of third-country nationals.//
http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/par_pmlp/projects/e_macibas_ETVVIF.html - [see:
30.03.2010]
‣ Eiropas robežu novērošanas sistēmas ieviešanu koordinēs Iekšlietu ministrija (The
Ministry of Interior Will Coordinate the Introduction of the European Border
Surveillance System).//
http://www.iem.gov.lv/lat/aktualitates/informacija_medijiem/doc=18907 - [see:
25.11.2010]
‣ Elektronisko ID karšu ieviešana izmaksās 9,21 miljonu latu (Introduction of Electronic
ID Cards Will Cost 9.21 Million Lats )//
http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/190948 - [see: 30.11.2010]
‣ Gromovs J., Patvēruma likuma komentāri (Comments to the Asylum Law).//Riga:
Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, 2009.-301 p.
‣ Amendment to Law “On the Status of the Permanent Resident of the European
Community in the Republic of Latvia.
//http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/news/normativie_projects.htmlnews_id=583-[see:
05.10.2010]
‣ Hofmanis R., Drošības iestādes brīdina Zatleru (Zatlers Warned by Security
Institutions).// http://zinas.nra.lv/Latvia/policy/18477-drosibas-iestades-bridinazatleru.htm
- [15.03.2010]
‣ IeM valsts sekretāre pauž Latvijas nostāju patvēruma politikas jautājumos (The State
Secretary of the Ministry Express the Position of Latvia in Asylum Policy).//
http://iem.gov.lv/lat/aktualitates/informacija_medijiem/doc=19035 - [see: 24.11.2010]

85
‣ Interesējas par darbaspēka migrāciju un darba atļauju izsniegšanu ārzemniekiem
(Interest in Labour Force Migration and Issuance of Work Permits to
Foreigners).//http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/news/news_id=57 0- [see: 27.08.2010]
‣ Izsludināti domstarpības raisījušie Imigrācijas likuma grozījumi (Disputed
Amendments to the Immigration Law Announced)).//
http://www2.la.lv/lat/sodienas_zinas/doc=6715 – [see: 12.05.2010]
‣ Kārkliņa D. Latvijas un ārzemju studenti cits citam mācīs valodu (Latvian and Foreign
Students Will Teach Languages to Each Other).//
http://www.diena.lv/lat/business/karjera/izglitiba/Latvian-un-arzemju-studenti-citscitam-macis-languages
– [see: 26.02.2010]
‣ Kluinis A. Kā pērk uzturēšanās atļauju Eiropā (How a Residence Permit is Bought in
Europe).// http://zinas.nra.lv/EConomika/Latvia/30832-ka-perk-uzturesanas-atlaujaseiropa.htm
- [see: 10.09.2010]
‣ Liela interese no NVS valstu investoriem par uzturēšanās atļaujām Latvijā (Increased
Interest from Investors of hte CIS about Residence Permits in Latvia).//
http://diena.lv/lat/politics/hot/avize-liela-interese-no-nvs-valstu-investoriem-paruzturesanas-atlaujam-Latvia
- [see: 10.11.2010]
‣ Notiek Apvienotās Latvijas-Krievijas darba grupas par jautājumiem cīņa pret nelegālo
migrāciju tikšanās (Meeting of the Joint working Party of Latvia and Russia for Fight
against Illegal Migration Held).// http://www.rs.gov.lv/rel=1304&id=35&top=-1 –
[see: 17.05.2010]
‣ Paparde I., Investīcijas dos uzturēšanās atļauju (Investment will Give a Residence
Permit).// http://zinas.nra.lv/Latvia/policy/17789-investicijas-dos-uzturesanasatlauju.htm
- [see: 05.03.2010]
‣ Paparde I., Saeimā iztaujās Šveices ekspertu par Imigrācijas likumu (Expert from
Switzerland Interviewed by Saeima about the Immigration Law)).//
http://zinas.nra.lv/Latvia/policy/19427-saeima-iztaujas-sveices-ekspertu-parimigracijas-lawu.htm
– [see: 26.03.2010]
‣ Pastiprinās cīņu pret darbaspēka ekspluatāciju (Fight Against Labour Force
Exploitation Increases)/

86
http://www.iem.gov.lv/lat/aktualitates/informacija_medijiem/doc=19025 - [see:
25.11.2010]
‣ PMLP izdod grāmatu ar Patvēruma likuma komentāriem (The OCMA Issues a Book
with Comments to the Asylum Law).// http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/news/news_id=486 -
[see: 24.11.2010]
‣ Projekta „Es palieku Latvijā” ietvaros četru reģionu pašvaldības tiks iepazīstinātas ar
bēgļu integrāciju Latvijā (Four regional authorities will be introduced to the integration
of the refugees in Latvia within the framework of the project „I Stay in Latvia!”).//
http://www.patverums-dm.lv/new.phplang=lv&id=1&n_id=73-[sk.20.01.2011.]
‣ Robežsardze realizē projektu Eiropas bēgļu fonda ietvaros (Project Implemented in the
Boarder Guard with the Project of the European Refugees Fund).//
http://iem.gov.lv/lat/aktualitātes/jaunumi/doc=192902 - [see: 24.11.2010]
‣ Rutule E., LDDK un NVS investoru aizstāvji iestājas par grozījumiem Imigrācijas
likumā (LDDK and Representatives of Investors from the CIS Support the Amendment
to the Immigration Law).// http://www.dina.lv/lat/business/hotnews/lddk-un-nvsinvestoru-aizstavji-iestajas-par-grozijumiem-imigracijas-lawa
- [10.03.2010]
‣ Rutule E., Konsultants: Latviju investorien pievilcīgāku var padarīt, arī atvieglojot
procedūru (Latvia Can Become More Attractive for Investors also Through Faciliated
Procedure).// http://www.diena.lv/lat/business/expert/expertopinion/konsultants-latvijuinvestoriem-pievilcigaku-var-padarit-ari-atvieglojot-proceduru
- [see: 06.04.2010]
‣ Rutule E., Dalbiņš: pārskatot Imigrācijas likumu, zudušas bažas par nespēju kontrolēt
imigrantus (By Reviewing the Immigration Law, Doubt about Inability to Control
Immigrants has Ceased).// http://www.diena.lv/lat/politics/hot/dalbins-parskatotimigracijas-lawu-zudusas-bazas-par-nespeju-controlt-investorus
- [see: 22.04.2010]
‣ Saeima komisija vienojas par politiski represētās personas statusa piešķiršanas
centralizāciju. (Committee of the Saeima Agrees on Centralizing the Granting
Procedure of Politically Repressed Person’s Status).//
http://www.lv.lv/index.phpmenu=doc&sub=pr&id=223100 – [see: 17.01.2011.]
‣ Sagatavo Latvijas un Portugāles sadarbības līgumu cīņai ar organizēto noziedzību (The
Cooperation Agreement between Latvia and Portugal for Fight against Organized
Crime Prepared).//

87
http://www.iem.gov.lv/lat/aktualitates/informacija_medijiem/doc=18496 - [see:
25.11.2010]
‣ Riga Office of the International Organization for Migration, Research. Situation in the
Field of Voluntary Return.// Riga: IOM, 2010.-p. 160.
‣ Riga Office of the International Organization for Migration., Research. Situation in the
Field of Reintegration.// Riga: IOM, 2010.-p. 136.
‣ Sabiedrības integrācijas funkciju nodos Kultūras un Iekšlietu ministrijām (Social
Integration Function will be Transferred to the Ministries of Culture and the Interior).//
http://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/aktuali/zinas/2010gads/12/071210-tm-16/ - [see: 07.12.2010]
‣ Saeima izsaka uzticību jaunajam Ministru kabinetam (Saeima Gives the New Cabinet
of Ministers a Vote of Confidence).// http://www.saeima.lv/lv/aktualitates/saeimaszinas/17647-saeima-izsaka-uzticibu-jaunajam-ministru-kabinetam
- [see: 03.11.2010]
‣ Šogad martā nevalstiskā organizācija "Patvērums "Drošā māja"" sāka īstenot Eiropas
Bēgļu fonda projektu „NVO atbalsta sistēma patvēruma meklētājiem un bēgļiem"
(Non-governmental organization "Patvērums "Drošā māja"" started the implementation
of project "NGO Support System for Asylum Seekers and Refugees”) of the European
Refugee Fund in March this year).// http://www.patverumsdm.lv/index.phplang+lv&id=25
– [see: 25.11.2010]
‣ Tautas partija atsakās no atbildības un pamet valdību (Tautas partija Refuses from the
Liability and Quits the Government).// http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/Latvia/308174-
tautas_partija_atsakas_no_atbildibas_un_pamet_valdibu - [see: 17.03.2010]
‣ Uzsākta Eiropas Savienības Vīzu kodeksa piemērošana (Application of the European
Union Visa Code is Started).//
http://www.rs.gov.lv/index.phpid=993&sa=&top=0&doc=4622 - [see: 25.11.2010]
‣ Ukrainā Latvijas vīzai varēs pieteikties ar kurjerpastu (Expected Application for a
Latvian Visa via Courier Service in
Ukraine).//http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/Ukraine-Latvian-vizai-varespieteikties-ar-kurjerpastu.did=35440945
– [see: 29.11.2010]
‣ Valsts robežsardze varēs pieprasīt autovadītājiem uzrādīt dokumentus visā valsts
teritorijā (The State Border Guard will Have the Right to Request Drivers to Present

88
Documents in the Whole Territory of the State).//
http://iem.gov.lv/lat/aktualitates/informacija_medijiem/doc=19335 – [28.10.2010]
‣ Var tikt radīti papildu mehānismi spiegu iekļūšanai Latvijā (Additional Mechanisms for
Entry of Spies of Latvia may be Created).//
http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/197032 - [see: 12.03.2010]
‣ Viltot Latvijā izsniegtās pases kļūs vēl grūtāk (It Will Be More Complicated to
Counterfeit Passports Issued in Latvia).//
http://www.iem.gov.lv/lat/aktualitates/informacija_medijiem/doc=18348-[25.11.2010]
‣ Zaļā gaisma alternatīvai pasei (Green Light for Alternative Passport).//
http://zinas.nra.lv/Latvia/16709-zala-gaisma-alternativai-pasei.htm - [see: 30.11.2010]
‣ Zālīte I., ZZS aptur referenduma ideju; Imigrācijas likuma grozījumu liktenis Zatlera
ziņā (ZZS Halts the Idea on Referendum; Destiny of the Amendment to the
Immigration Law is in Zalters’ Hands).//http://www.diena.lv/lat/politics/hot/zzs-apturreferenduma-ideju-imigracijas-lawa-grozijumu-liktenis-zatlera-zina
– [see: 08.03.2010]
‣ Zvirbulis Ģ., Top jauns Repatriācijas likums (New Repatriation Law
Developing).//http://www2.la.lv/lat/Latvian_avize/jaunakaja_numura/Latvian.zinas/do
c=89436 – [see: 25.11.2010]

89
ANNEX OF THE EUROPEAN PACT ON IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM
AND THE STOCKHOLM PROGRAMME
LEGAL IMMIGRATION AND INTEGRATION
1. Economic migration
1.1 European Pact on Immigration and Asylum (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for
each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Pact for this sub-section are in particular:
I(a) Implement policies for labour migration
Please describe the (planned) introduction of a new labour migration policy or changes to
the existing one. Elaborate any new aspects (e.g. introduction of quota, lists of professions,
agreement with specific third countries, use of private recruitment services, etc). Specify
whether these address any specific groups of migrants and describe any groups which are
not addressed under the subsequent commitments in this sub-section. Also consider the
effect of the economic crisis on labour migration (e.g. revision of quota, reduction of
professions listed, etc).
The regulatory enactments in Latvia that regulate the employment of third-country
nationals are created horizontally and applied to all third-country nationals equally.
In 2010, there are changes in the field of legal immigration of Latvia: Law of 22 April
2010 “Amendment to the Immigration Law" entered into force on 1 July 2010, which provides
several important amendments, particularly in relation to reception of third-country nationals
for employment. The Amendment to the Immigration Law provides the establishing of a one
stop agency by inviting guest workers from third countries. It means that employers will no
longer need to visit the State Employment Agency where education documents and
employment contracts of such guest workers were assessed, a work invitation letter was
approved and after that – the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs for approval of the
invitation letter to request a residence permit, but only the Office of Citizenship and Migration
Affairs which shall examine documents of employment and residence thus saving time and
simplifying the administrative procedure.
I(b) increase the attractiveness of the EU for highly qualified workers and further facilitate the
reception of students and researchers:
Please describe any (planned) measures to facilitate access of highly qualified workers,
students and researchers. Refer to the implementation of the Blue Card Directive.
Describe any incentive mechanisms for highly qualified workers, students and
researchers on top of the transposition and implementation of EU legislation. Also
consider the effect of the economic crisis.
On 27 May 2010, the Meeting of the State Secretaries announced draft law
"Amendment to the Immigration Law", which was developed in order to introduce Council
Directive 2009/50/EC of 25 May 2009 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country
nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment (henceforth – the Blue Card
Directive).
The above-mentioned amendment includes the requirements of the Blue Card Directive.
The draft law includes the definition of the Blue Card of the European Union, periods have

90
been specified for requesting a Blue Card of the European Union, and the rights have been
specified for third-country national who holds a valid EU Blue Card issued in another Member
State of the European Union and who requests such a status in the Republic of Latvia, to reside
in the Republic of Latvia during the review of documents. By implementing the Blue Card
Directive, which must be completed in Latvia by 19 June 2010, the first steps will be made
towards the introduction of circular migration. Moreover, in general more favourable
conditions will be introduce in Latvia for receiving and using an EU Blue Card than provided
in the Directive.
The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs has prepared also draft law
"Amendment to the Law On Status of Permanent Resident of the European Community in the
Republic of Latvia"", the purpose of which is the transposition of the provisions of the abovementioned
Direction, aligning of terminology with the Lisbon Agreement, an opportunity for
non-citizens of Latvia to obtain a status, as well as other technical amendments.
I(c) Do not aggravate the brain drain
Please describe any (planned) measures to favour circular or temporary migration, as
well as other measures taken to avoid brain drain, for example awareness rising actions,
development of data and indicators on this phenomena, prevention, list of countries and
professions subject to brain drain.
In compliance with the provisions of the Immigration Law, currently a third-country
national who has received a temporary residence permit may reside outside of the territory of
Latvia without any time limit. It means that a third-country national may return to Latvia only
once a year for registration of the temporary residence permit if its expiry term is more than
one year. The said provision has been amended because the joining of Latvia to the Schengen
zone does not enable anymore to determine whether the person who has received a temporary
residence permit in the Republic of Latvia is currently in Latvia or in any other Member State
of the European Union, thus making it impossible to establish a fact of absence.
Latvia is not a country which facilitates emigration of labour because the total number
of immigrant is very small and persons who enter the country for employment do not have high
qualification. In 2010, the highest demand in the labour market of Latvia was for ship repair
locksmiths and cargo truck drivers. The largest immigrant flows into the Republic of Latvia are
from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.
1.2 Stockholm Programme (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Stockholm Programme for this sub-section are in
particular:
1(b) Improving skills recognition and labour matching
Describe any (planned) measures to improve the skills recognition of third-country
nationals and labour matching between your Member State and third countries
(including online employment, etc). Linked to this, describe whether and how your
Member State analyses its labour market needs / shortages. Also consider the effect of the
economic crisis.
Amendment to the Immigration Law, which entered into force on 1 July 2010, provides
that, in order to ensure the compliance of employees from third countries with requirements of
an offered vacancy, responsible officials of branches of the State Employment Agency shall
register, pursuant to valid regulatory enactments, a vacancy notified by an employer by

91
indicating profession, preferable educational level of a candidate, work experience and, when
establishing that the vacancy is registered for the purpose of inviting a guest worker, shall
actively inform about such an employment opportunity its clients: residents of Latvia and other
Member States of the European Union who are registered with the State Employment Agency
as unemployed persons or persons searching employment. If employment of a third-country
national in Latvia is planned according to a company agreement, a work invitation letter shall
be approved without registration of the vacancy, by coordinating the company agreement and
by submitting documents that certify the employee’s education and qualification. Such an
application shall provide reasons for the employment of the third-country national in
compliance with a company agreement and specify number, positions, professions of the thirdcountry
nationals to be employed as well as place and terms of fulfilment of work.
Regardless of whether it is planned to employ a third-country national on the basis of an
employment contract or company agreement, in order to approve a work invitation letter, the
employer (merchant) or his authorised representative shall submit the following documents to
the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, by enclosing the work invitation letter:
• if the profession of a third-country national is regulated – a copy of a qualification
acknowledgment certificate or a similar document certifying the compliance of the
professional qualification with the requirements set in the Republic of Latvia;
• if the profession of a third-country national is not regulated – a legalised copy of an
education document or a document certifying three-year experience in the profession in
which the employer plans to employ the third-country national, by enclosing translation
into the official language certified in accordance with stipulated procedure.
Since there is a high unemployment level in Latvia as a result of economic crisis and,
until now at least, Latvia has not been a country of destination of highly qualified labour force,
the demand to vacancies of low qualified labour at the moment is satisfied by local labour
force.
1.3 Key statistics
First residence permits, by reason
Total
Education
reasons
Remunerated
activities reasons Other reasons
First permits 185 1499 206 450 843
All valid residence permits, by duration
12 months and
Total 3-5 months 6-11 months over
All permits 186 373763 138 1314 372311
Unemployment rates of Member State citizens versus third-country nationals residing in the Member
State
Member State citizens Third-country nationals 187
185 Data summarised by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
186 Data summarised by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
187 The State Social Insurance Agency does not summarise statistics on beneficiaries of unemployment benefit for
third-country nationals. Only a very limited category of third-country nationals may be eligible to receive
unemployment benefit in Latvia.

92
Unemployment rate (%) 14.4% 188 -
2 Family Reunification
2.1 European Pact on Immigration and Asylum (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for
each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Pact for this sub-section are in particular:
I(d) To regulate family migration more effectively
Please describe any new policies / legislation in this regard or changes to existing policies
and legislation regulating family migration. Consider also your Member State’s reception
capacity and the extent to which the family member’s capacity to integrate is being taken
into account in the admission procedure, e.g. their knowledge of the country's language,
level of education, professional background, other.
Since the family reunification procedure in Latvian regulatory enactments is liberal, as
many categories of persons have the right to receive a residence permit on the basis of family
reunification, the competent institutions have not planned any changes in the relevant
regulatory enactments.
When issuing a residence permit on the basis of family reunification, the competent
institutions of Latvia do not assess the ability of a family member to integrate but assess his or
her family ties instead.
In order to ensure the implementation of the provisions of the new Asylum Law, which
entered into force on 14 July 2009, the Government has adopted several regulatory enactments
in 2010 that regulate also the matters of family reunification for a refugee, a person who has
acquired the alternative status or temporary protection.
2.2 Stockholm Programme (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Stockholm Programme for this sub-section are in
particular:
2(b) The Directive on family reunification, the importance of integration measures
Please describe any concrete (planned) measures to further promote the integration of
third-country nationals coming for the purpose of family reunification.
By continuing the acquisition of the European Third-Country National Integration Fund
under the Programme of Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows 2007-2013, the
implementation of the said fund projects 2008 was completed in 2010. Totally 17 projects were
implemented within the framework of the European Third-Country National Integration Fund
under the Programme of Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows 2008. In compliance
with the scope of the multiannual programme of the fund, as well as Programme 2008, when
planning integration activities, specific target groups are taken into account as well as special
needs of such groups. Activity “Development of programmes and provision of services to
special groups of third-country nationals (children, women, elder people, people without
education, and people with special needs)” was planned for this purpose under the Fund
188 Bezdarba līmenis decembra beigās palielinājies par 0,1 procentu (Unemployment rate in December has
increased by 0.1 percentage point).// http://zinas.nra.lv/ekonomika/latvija/38508-registreta-bezdarba-limenisdecembra-beigas-palielinajies-par-0-1-procentpunktu.htm–
[sk. 07.01.2011.]

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Programme 2008, and it supported activities focused on access to knowledge and resources for
special groups of third-country nationals who are in less favourable position, to increase their
self-esteem regarding participation in the communities and to develop strategies to overcome
any obstacles and to gain control over their surrounding environment. 3 projects were
implemented within the framework of the said activity. Foundation "Social service agency
"Family Crisis Centre"" implemented project "Integrēties is viegli!" (“Integration Is Easy!”)
where a service programme and methodology was developed for the target group of the project
- third-country nationals – women and children, 48 educational sessions for women and
children were organised and lead, individual consultations were provided by a lawyer, social
worker and psychologist to women from third countries, 2 cross-cultural dialogue round-table
discussions were organised, as well as 2 training camps were organised for the target group of
the project.
The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs implemented project "Support to
repatriates – third-country nationals" where assistance was provided to 57 families of
repatriates (totally 138 persons). Support was provided in 197 cases: 20 repatriates acquired the
Latvian language, computer training was given to 14 repatriates, professional courses were
ensured for 6 repatriates to help in searching for employment, aid was given to 4 repatriates for
payment of study fee in educational establishments of Latvia, an integration camp was
organised for children of repatriates with 17 children as participants.
Society "Developments aģentūra "Pieci"" (Development Agency “Five”) implemented
project "Atvērti integrācijai!" (“Open to Integration!”) where the Integration Centre for
Children was established. The Centre has organised psychological support groups for 24
mothers, educational sessions for 12 children, educational sessions for 36 mothers, integration
activities for children have been organised.
In order to ensure integration and access to language courses, within the framework of
Programme 2008 Activity "Develop programmes and activities for the purpose of promoting
adjustment of third-country nationals to the receiving society and to help them in acquisition of
main knowledge about the language, history, institutions, social and economic situation, culture
life, etc.", the Ministry of Education and Science, the Office of Citizenship and Migration
Affairs and the Latvian Language Agency as cooperation partners implemented, during the
period from 1 December 2009 till 30 June 2009, the project financed by the European Third-
Country National Integration Fund "Development of the Latvian language e-training course for
the promotion of education and access to the labour market for third-country nationals".
Within the framework of the project, an electronic training programme has been
developed which helps third-country nationals to acquire the Latvian language according to the
European language level A1 and afterwards also A2, simultaneously by acquiring knowledge
about the state of Latvia, its history, geography and social life, thus promoting additionally the
integration of an individual in society. The training course was focused on trainees who have
knowledge as the Russian language as the bridge language. Totally 40 sessions of interactive
language training has been prepared in the course, with self-test possibilities. The developed
electronic languages training course is available to the public on the portal of Latvian schools
of the Ministry of Education and Science from 1 July 2010. Russian was chosen as the bridge
language in this project because, according to statistics on migration, the number of speakers of
the said language in Latvia among the third-country nationals here is the highest: as of 1
January 2009, there were 8,002 representatives of the target group residing in Latvia – citizens
of third countries with temporary residence permits, including 6,523 or 81.5% with the
knowledge of Russian as the native tongue or the bridge language.
In 2011, it is planned to implement the Programme 2009 of the European Third-
Country National Integration Fund under the General Programme of Solidarity and
Management of Migration Flows, and to start the implementation of Programme 2010 where

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the already started activities will be continued and focused on special groups of third-country
nationals.
In order to support integration of those families in the Latvian societies that have
children of school age, within the framework of Programme 2008 Activity "Development of
educational programmes and materials and introduction of the same in training of adolescents –
third-country nationals" the Ministry of Education and Science implemented project
"Development of adaptation programmes and materials for children of third-country nationals
of the age from 6 to 12 years", where an adaptation programme was prepared for children of
immigrations of the age from 6 to 9 years, as well as an adaptation programme for children in
the age from 10 to 12 years; work sheets for the adaptation programmes were prepared, as well
as methodical guidelines for teachers, and “Identity Passports – Portfolios” were made for each
age group (6-9 and 10-12 years). It is planned to develop such educational programmes for all
age groups in elementary education level, including children of preschool age.
2.3 Key statistics
First residence permits for family reasons
Number of first permits 732
3 Other legal migration
3.1 European Pact on Immigration and Asylum (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for
each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Pact for this sub-section are in particular:
I(e) to strengthen mutual information on migration by improving existing instruments where
necessary;
Please describe any (planned) sharing and exchanging of information on migration with
other Member States, through existing networks and other instruments. Note that the
European Migration Portal is to be discussed under the commitment below.
Competent institutions of Latvia exchange of information with related services in other
Member State of the European Union by using the ad-hoc query instrument offered by the
European Migration Network.
I(f) Improve information on the possibilities and conditions of legal migration
Please describe any (planned) measures to improve the provision of information on the
possibilities and conditions of legal migration. These could include, for example,
information campaigns, websites, specific centres, etc. Also refer to the European
Migration Portal. Consider the effects of the economic crisis.
The external homepage of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs offers
comprehensive information about legal migration in the country. More expansive information
campaigns about legal migration have not been planned. Responsible officials plan to place
updated information on the European migration portal about changes in those regulatory
enactments that determine the procedure for entry of third-country nationals. In 2010, the
Ministry of Justice implemented Project of Programme 2008 "Information Campaign for the
Latvian Society regarding Third-Country Nationals", within the framework of which the
strategy for the resident information 2011-2015 has been developed, as well as the plan for
information of residents 2010. It is planned to use the said strategy as the guidelines for

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organizing next informative events in future implementation of the Multiannual Programme of
the Integration Fund.
3.2 Stockholm Programme (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Stockholm Programme are similar to the Pact objective
above, hence no further information required.
4 Integration
4.1 European Pact on Immigration and Asylum (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for
each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Pact for this sub-section are in particular:
I(g) Promote harmonious integration in line with the common basic principles
The common basic principles may be found in the JHA Council Conclusions of 19
November 2004, doc. 14615/05, 189 as well as the Commission Communication COM(2005)
389. 190
Please describe (planned) measures for the integration of third-country nationals,
considering, for example, measures enabling immigrants to acquire a basic knowledge of
the host society's language, history, and institutions, "efforts in education" "participation
of immigrants in the democratic process and in the formulation of integration policies
and measures, especially at the local level", access to employment and public and social
services, policy development on integration, etc.
On 26 March 2010, Law "Amendment to the Education Law" entered into force after
adoption by Saeima on 4 March 2010. The purpose of the said Law is to ensure that every
resident of Latvia has the opportunity to develop his or her mental and physical potential, in
order to become an independent and a fully developed individual, a member of the democratic
State and society of Latvia. It must be noted that the above-mentioned Amendment to the Law
define the group of persons precisely who have the right to acquire education: citizens of
Latvia; non-citizens of Latvia; citizens of the European Union, citizens of the European
Economic Area or citizens of the Swiss Confederation who hold a valid residence permit in the
Republic of Latvia; stateless persons who hold a valid travel document of a stateless person
issued in the Republic of Latvia; citizens or stateless persons of a third country who hold a
valid residence permit in the Republic of Latvia; refugees or persons who have obtained the
alternative status; personas who have received temporary protection in the Republic of Latvia.
A minor third-country national or stateless person who does not have the legal basis to
reside in the Republic of Latvia has the right to acquire elementary education during a period
stated for voluntary return, or during a period for which expulsion has been postponed, as well
as during detention of him or her.
In compliance with the above-mentioned Law "Amendment to the Education Law", a
fee for the acquisition of elementary education and secondary education for the above-indicated
persons shall be determined and paid in accordance with the same procedure as for citizens of
Latvia and non-citizens of Latvia.
Currently, the European Third-Country National Integration Fund is the main financial
instrument for the ensuring of activities for the integration of immigrants. The Multiannual
Programme of the Fund and annual programmes are developed in compliance with the
189 Available from http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/jha/82745.pdf.
190 Available from http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.douri=CELEX:52005DC0389:EN:NOT.

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Common Basic Principles for Integration and activities that are planned under such
programmes are focused on the provision of language training and the improvement of access
to the labour market, social services and public events. For instance, in 2010 within the
framework of Programme 2008 of the Fund, 2 projects were implemented where integration
and language training programmes were developed: the electronic training programme
developed by joint-stock company "Datorzinību centrs", which enables a third-country
national to acquire the Latvian language according to the European language level A1 and
afterwards also A2, simultaneously by acquiring knowledge about the state of Latvia, its
history, geography and social life, thus promoting additionally the integration of an individual
in society.
During the period from July 2009 to March 2010, society "The Education Development
Centre" implemented project "Educational activities for improving knowledge and skills of a
third-country national for successful integration in Latvia", which was co-financed by the
European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals and the general purpose of
which was to promote the integration of third-country nationals with various economic, social,
cultural, religion, language and ethnical background in the Latvian and the European society.
Specific objectives of the said project:
• Develop and introduce a training programme and distance learning materials about the
history of Latvia, its institutions, the social and economic system, in order to educate and to
improve the skills of third-country nationals for living in the Latvian and the European society.
• Based on experience gained during the project and the project results, prepare
description of the project target group and recommendations for responsible and interested
institutions for future training of third-country nationals and their integration in the society.
I(h) Promote information exchange on best practices in terms of reception and integration
Please describe any relevant activity, e.g. the development of a national website and/or
forum on integration, development of information exchanges between institutions and
other stakeholders within your Member State, etc. Also consider possible contributions to
the European Integration Forum and the European website on Integration.
In 2010, the Ministry of Justice implemented Project of Programme 2008 "Information
Campaign for the Latvian Society regarding Third-Country Nationals", within the framework
of which the strategy for the resident information 2011-2015 has been developed, as well as the
plan for information of residents 2010, two TV and radio broadcasts in the Latvian language
have been created and broadcasted, two TV and radio broadcasts in the Russian language, short
movies have been made and broadcasted on television, nine publications have been made in
Latvian, Russian and English in newspapers and on Internet news portals, outdoor advertising
posters have been designed and placed on public stands and at public transport stops, outdoor
advertisements have been placed on buses in Riga City and on intercity buses, 2,000
information posters have been made and delivered for further dissemination in educational
establishments thus ensuring that the attention of the teaching staff and youth is drawn to
matters related to the project target audience.
Within the framework of the project, the Ministry of Justice organized six interactive
informative events: three of them were organized in Riga and three were organized in the
largest regional cities of Latvia: Liepaja, Daugavpils and Jelgava. Target audience of the
seminars were experts of the state administration, service providers, representatives of societies
and foundations. The aim of the event was to inform the experts and representatives of the civic
society about the main tasks of the European integration policy and the directions of its
development, to introduce with issues identified during the project of the Fund, and to inform
about the main aspects of integration of immigrants. In order to specify practical matters

97
related to integration of immigrants and to promote a dialogue among immigrants and experts
involved in the integration process, third-country nationals from various countries participated
in the events: Russia, Ukraine, Georgia and Algeria. Their participation in the provision of
information was an important added value to the event, which encouraged the exchange of
ideas and gave an opportunity to the participants to gain broader view about the different needs
of the target audience.
Currently, the Ministry of Justice manages homepage www.integration.lv, which was
created within the framework of a project of the Integration Fund. Information on the
homepage is available in Latvian, Russian and English. Another informative Internet resource
for immigrants has been created by society "Patvērums "Drošā māja", which provides key
information about living in Latvia and availability of various services: http://www.patverumsdm.lv/index.phplang=lv&id=55.
Information is available in Latvian, Russian, English and
French.
Contribution to the European Integration Forum is ensured in cooperation with nongovernmental
institutions leading integration of immigrants. In compliance with the request of
the European Commission, representatives of two non-governmental organizations that are
leading in the field of the integration of immigrants are delegated to each meeting. The
Ministry of Justice represents Latvia in the European Commission network of national
integration contact points; the network has been established for better coordination of the
European integration policy. Information for the integration homepage is updated by using the
network of national integration contact points, as well as in cooperation with expert of society
"Providus", Dace Akule, who supplements the homepage information on a regular basis about
integration news in Latvia.
4.2 Stockholm Programme (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Stockholm Programme for this sub-section are in
particular:
3(b) to incorporate integration issues in a comprehensive way in all relevant policy areas
Please elaborate whether and how integration issues are integrated on other national
policies.
The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs has already noted in its Policy report
on Migration and Asylum in Latvia in Year 2009 that the draft framework document for the
society integration policy "Main Positions of the Society Integration Policy 2010-2016” was
developed. During the development of the document, by consulting experts and representatives
of civic society, it was improved and updated according to the opinion obtained during
consultation. Planning period stage was changed in the draft document and action fields were
specified, thus the title of the document now is "Main Positions of the Society Integration
Policy 2011-2017" and it sets four main fields of integration policy:
1. strengthening of the national identity, including the acquisition of citizenship and promotion
of civic participation;
2. cross development of the cross-cultural dialogue, including the development of
communication skills and competences, cross-cultural dialogue space and the state language
skills;
3. prevention of discrimination and promotion of tolerance;
4. integration of immigrants,
the implementation of which envisages the involvement of also other state administration and
municipal institutions.

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The issues covered in the main positions correspond with the tasks set in the Stockholm
Programme for ensuring a common space of freedom, safety and justice. The draft main
positions are being prepared for the announcement by the Meeting of the State Secretaries.
3(e) improved consultation with and involvement of civil society
Please describe consultation processes with civil society and their involvement in
integration policymaking and measures.
During the development of draft document "Main Positions of the Society Integration
Policy 2011-2017", its public debates were organised (from 3 August to 6 September 2010).
During the debates, 180 non-governmental organisations were addressed. On 14 October 2010,
public debates for the draft document were organised with 37 participants from various state
institutions, governmental organisations, as well as scientists and journalists.
By developing the programmes for the European Fund for the Integration of thirdcountry
nationals under the General Programme of Solidarity and Management of Migration
Flows for 2007-2013, consultations are held with those non-governmental institutions which
work with matters of integration of immigrants, human rights, anti-discrimination and culture
diversity, as well as with those organizations which work in the field of protection of interests.
Proposals, objections and recommendations from such organizations are taken into account
when planning activities and results of each annual programme. One of the most important
instruments to promote participation in decision making process is the consultative
mechanisms that are established at both national and local government levels. Currently, three
national level consultation boards operate in Latvia: the Minorities Consulting Council of the
President of the State, the Consultative Council of the Representatives of Minorities Non-
Governmental Organizations for supervision of the implementation of the European Council
Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities under the Ministry of Justice,
and the Consultative Council of the Ministry of Education and Science in the matters of
education of minorities. Wide representation of national minorities is ensured in the councils,
and two councils are chaired by representatives of national minorities. Local government
society integration commissions (councils) work in the local government level, and their
competence includes the participation in development of the society integration programmes,
promotion of civic participation, improvement of cooperation with societies of national
minorities, participation in implementation of projects that promote the social integration, as
well as solving of other matters related to social integration. Such consultative mechanisms
currently have been created in four city local governments; there are seven various councils and
commissions working in them in the field of social integration and for the matters of noncitizens.
Social integration programmes have been developed in several local governments.
Also, the cooperation with the civic society is formed within the framework of the
council for the implementation of the cooperation memorandum of the Cabinet of Ministers
and non-governmental organisations, as well as within the framework of the Civic Society
Council lead by the Ministry of Justice.
On 28 December, 2010 Society “Shelter “Safe House”” started an implementation of
the project “I Stay in Latvia!” within the framework of the European Refugee Fund (ERF).
Aim of the project is to foster the adaptation and inclusion of the refugees and persons with the
alternative status in the Latvian society. The project will be implemented from December 2010
till June 2011. Project “I Stay in Latvia!” is a follow-up to the project implemented in 2009
“NGOs Support System to Asylum Seekers and Refugees” within the framework of the ERF
and activities are directed to the continuation of integration of the target group. Within the
project refugees and persons with alternative status for seven months will be provide with

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medical, psychological, material, legal and other support. It is envisaged that within the project
following aims will be achieved: acquisition of accommodation for the members of the target
group when they start living independently; represenatives of local authorities will be
introduced with the integration of refugees in Latvia.
3(f) to enhance democratic values and social cohesion in relation to immigration and
integration of immigrants and to promote intercultural dialogue and contacts
Please describe any measures taken in this regard. For example, indicate whether these
are included in integration courses and programmes, whether specific activities, e.g.
events, have been organised, etc.
By planning the activities for the programmes 2007-2013 of the European Fund for the
Integration of third-country nationals under the General Programme of Solidarity and
Management of Migration Flows, events are planned that promote the civic participation of
third-country nationals, as well as events that promote the development of cross-cultural
dialogue. By implementing the programmes 2007-2013 of the said Fund, several training
materials and programmes were development in the matters of management of diversity and
cross-cultural competence – society "Izglītības attīstības centrs" implemented project
"Improvement of professional competence of teachers in cross-cultural education", within the
framework of which a training programme for teachers was developed; society "Sabiedriskās
politikas centrs "Providus"" implemented project "Teachers acquire the cross-cultural skills",
within the framework of which educational content for teachers was developed; joint-stock
company "Datorzinību centrs" developed training programmes for teachers "Cross-cultural
communication and its specifics in the field of education” and "Knowledge transfer
methodology and the multiplier working methods", as well as training programme for
increasing the competence of service providers to third-country nationals: module "Crosscultural
competence for building of dialogue in work with third-country nationals", which was
developed also as an e-training course; the International Organization for Migration
implemented project "Security and tolerance: preconditions for successful integration of
immigrants in Latvia" and developed a training material for employees of law enforcement
institutions regarding prevention, combating of racism and intolerance, and promotion of
tolerance towards third-country national; society "The Latvian Centre for Human Rights"
implemented project "Different client in the diverse Latvia, set of training courses" where parts
of the training courses were prepared: "Introduction to diversity of cultures", "Introduction:
what is discrimination", "Diversity management", "Positive action", "Analysis of best
practices in the EU and Latvia" and methodological guidelines of the 5 said courses and
handouts were prepared, same as material "Different clients in the diverse Latvia" for
employees of institutions that provide services to third-country nationals; the Latvian Language
Agency implemented project "Teachers in the cross-cultural space" as a result of which the
educational programme was developed and training methodological material "Teachers in the
cross-cultural space" was published in the end.
4.3 Key statistics 191
Long-term third-country national residents
Number of long-term third-county
national residents 270
191 Estimate data provided by officials of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

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Acquisition of citizenship
Number of third-county national nationals
(Citizens of countries other than of EU-27,
EFTA and Candidate countries) taking up
citizenship
75
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND RETURN
5 Illegal Immigration
5.1 European Pact on Immigration and Asylum (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for
each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Pact for this sub-section are in particular:
II(a) only case-by-case regularisation
Please indicate whether any regularisation took place and how in your Member State
legal status was given to illegally staying third-country nationals. Also provide
information on trends with respect to the number of persons regularised.
Massive legalization of illegal immigrants has not been performed in Latvia. Competent
institutions of Latvia constantly assess individual circumstances of each person and make a
decision whether the person is entitled or is not entitled to receive a relevant status in the
country.
By taking into account personal, social and economic ties of a person with the country
of residence, the institution and court promotes the protection of individual rights and legal
interests within the framework of applicable laws.
II(c) ensure that risks of irregular migration are prevented
Please describe your Member State’s policy concerning preventing irregular migration.
Note that information on other relevant measures, such as border control are to be
provided in the later sections of this report (see Sections 9 and 10).
To facilitate the prevention of illegal immigration, the State Border Guard actively
cooperates with countries of origin and transit of illegal immigrants.
Officials of the State Border Guard and the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
participated in experience exchange activities organised by Riga Office of the International
Organization for Migration in 2010 in Austria, Georgia and Armenia.
The State Border Guard, in cooperation with representatives of the border guard of the
Republic of Estonia performs joint patrol on the internal borders, as well as in the
administrative territories of the Latvian and Estonian frontier.
In 2010, the State Border Guard continued active work for development of new draft
agreements and protocols in order to promote the return of illegal immigrants in the country of
origin, namely, draft readmission agreements and fulfilment protocols with the Republic of
Kazakhstan and the Republic of Kosovo, which have been sent for agreement. Draft protocols
have been developed for the fulfilment of the readmission agreements signed by the European
Community the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Fulfilment protocol has been signed between the Republic of Latvia and Moldova for
readmission agreements signed by the European Community.
The State Border Guard initiated the Amendment to the Immigration Law and it was
made, with the aim to reduce misuse of residence permits and opportunities to receive a visa.

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The State Border Guard as the responsible institution for the adoption of Directive
2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 (henceforth
– Directive 2008/115/EC) on common standards and procedures in Member States for
returning illegally staying third-country nationals, has prepared draft law "Amendment to the
Immigration Law" and continues its work in development of subordinated Cabinet of Ministers
regulations.
II(d) to develop cooperation between Member States, using, on a voluntary basis and where
necessary, common arrangements to ensure the expulsion of illegal immigrants
Please describe cooperation with other Member States, with regard to the expulsion of
persons found to be staying illegally on the territory, including biometric identification of
illegal entrants, joint expulsion measures (e.g. flights), etc.
In 2010, the State Border Guard has not signed an agreement with any of Member
States of the European Union on cooperation in the field of return of illegal immigrants. The
State Border Guard, in cooperation with Member States of the European Union in 2010, has
participated in two activities, in order to provide assistance to institutions of Member States of
the European Union in the Mediterranean region in identification and expulsion of illegal
immigrants. In 2010, the State Border Guard has not participated in joint activities of return.
II(g) take rigorous actions and penalties against those who exploit illegal immigrants
Please describe the transposition and operational execution (e.g. prosecution of employers
hiring persons illegally staying in your Member State) of the “Employer Sanctions
Directive," as well as other relevant actions and developments.
Currently, Paragraph eight of Section 37 of the Labour Law transposes Clause 1 of
Article 3 of Directive 2009/52/EC of the European Parliament and of the Councils of 18 June
2009 providing for minimum standards on sanctions and measures against employers of
illegally staying third-country nationals (henceforth – Directive 2009/52/EC). However, cases
in relation to employment of a third-country national without a required work permit are
initiated on the basis of violations to Paragraph one of Section 9 of the Immigration Law 9 and
Article 7 of Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.44 of 20 January 2004 "Regulations regarding
Work Permits for Third-Country Nationals". The liability for such offences is determined in
Paragraph two of Section 189 of the Latvian Administrative Violations Code (Judgement of the
Administrative Regional Court of 20 May 2010 in case No.A42717408; Judgement of the
Administrative Regional Court of 21 October 2009 in case No.A42519507). it should be noted
that new Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.553 of 21 June 2010 "Regulations Regarding
Work Permits for Third-country Nationals" entered into force from 1 July 2010.
In order to fully transpose the requirements of Directive 2009/52/EC, draft law
"Amendment to the Labour Law", draft law "Amendment to the Criminal Law" and draft law
"Amendment to the Associations and Foundations Law" have been developed. The abovementioned
draft laws were submitted and announced at the Meeting of the State Secretaries on
28 October 2010. In compliance with protocol decision No. 42 of the meeting of the State
Secretaries of 28 October 2010, the Ministry of Welfare has been assigned the task of
coordination of the draft law s and their executive summaries and of submission of coordinated
drafts to the State Chancellery. By adopting the requirements of Directive 2009/52/EC, it is
suggested to supplement the Labour Law with the obligation to an employer to request a thirdcountry
national, prior to starting the job, to present a valid visa or residence permit, as well as
a valid work permit, if necessary. An employer will also need to ensure storage of such
documents during the whole period of employment of a third-country national and presentation

102
of the documents upon a request of supervision and control institutions. Also, it is planned to
provide in the Labour Law that the payment of unpaid salary of an illegally entered thirdcountry
national is the responsibility not only of his or her direct employer, but also a general
contractor, if he or she has fully or partially delivered the fulfilment of initial contractual
obligations to the employer. Changes also in other laws are planned in related to the
amendments to the Labour Law. The prepared amendment to the Latvian Administrative
Violations Code envisages an administrative fine to employers for employment of illegally
staying third-country nationals. The amount of a fine for natural persons is planned in the
amount of 150-350 lats, for legal entities 750-3,000 lats. A fine is envisaged for employment of
more than five such persons for natural persons in the amount of 350-500 lats, for legal entities
3,000-10,000 lats. The Amendment to the Criminal Law provides, in specific cases, criminal
liability of an employer for employment of third-country nationals who have entered the state
illegally. It is planned to apply it if a minor is employed, if people have been employed in
particularly exploiting work conditions, or if a victim of human trafficking has been employed
intentionally. Punishment to an employer for such offences is arrest, forced labour or a fine in
the amount of up to 200 minimum monthly wages.
Under the influence of the economic processes, the risk of employing or exploitation of
illegal immigrants in Latvia in 2010 was low. In its Declaration of November 2010 regarding
the planned activities of the [second] Cabinet of Ministers led by Valdis Dombrovskis, in the
field of internal security for development and growth of the State of Latvia, the Government
has undertaken to strictly control immigration from third countries, reduce illegal immigration
by acting against persons who provide work and place of residence for illegal immigrant, as
well as by improving the mechanism of detection, registration and expelling of illegal
immigrants. By taking into account the content of the Declaration and the EU directives,
several amendments to regulatory enactments have been elaborated in order to encourage
people to refrain from illegal activities in relation to illegal immigrants.
In 2010, the State Border Guard, in compliance with Section 189 of the Latvian
Administrative Violations Code for employment without a passport or work permit, called
employers to account in 22 cases.
In 2010 3 case have been initiated under Section 154.1 of the Criminal Law in Latvia
for exploitation of labour force, and now are in criminal proceedings. Punishment is envisaged
for the said offence depending on qualification: deprivation of liberty for a period of three to
fifteen years with or without seizure of property.
II(h) an Expulsion Decision taken by one Member State (MS) should be applicable throughout
the EU and entered into the SIS obliging other MSs to prevent the person concerned from
entering or residing
Please describe any relevant developments with regard to expulsion decisions and the
principle of mutual recognition of these decisions.
Latvia is rarely used as a transit country for fulfilment of a return decision or
deportation order which has been passed by another Member State of the European Union, thus
the State Border Guard has rare cases when it has to recognise in practice a return decision or
order issued in another Member State of the European Union.
5.2 Stockholm Programme (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Stockholm Programme for this sub-section are in
particular:

103
4(j) more effective action against illegal immigration and trafficking in human beings and
smuggling of persons by developing information on migration routes as well as aggregate and
comprehensive information which improves our understanding of and response to migratory
flows
Please describe information collection activities undertaken in your Member State to
identify migration routes, patterns and other relevant factors relevant to illegal
immigration.
The State Border Guard, illegal migration routes and trends are identified by the
Analytical Division of the Service Organization Department, Central Board of the State Border
Guard where the information is summarised which has been received from structural units of
the State Border Guards and communication officers, as well as information available on
FRONTEX agency’s common information system (ICONET). After the information is
summaries and analysis made, tactical warnings are prepared and sent to structural units of the
State Border Guard. Information is also placed on the common information system of the State
Border Guard where it is available for relevant services.
4(k) increased targeted training and equipment support
Please describe any training measures and equipment support to combat irregular
immigration which are not linked to border control (which is discussed in section 9
below).
In 2010, the staff of the State Border Guard received the following training:
• 2 border guards acquire the speciality of legal experts for technical investigation of
documents;
• 6 border guards acquired the qualification improvement programme "Training for
service and technical staff of sea video surveillance systems";
• 100 border guards acquired the qualification improvement programme "Operator of the
automated fingerprint identification system "AFIS"";
• 9 border guards acquired the qualification improvement programme "Sea border
module";
• 120 border guards acquired the qualification improvement programme "Counterfeit
documents";
• 30 border guards acquired the qualification improvement programme for the 2nd level
specialists of document investigation "Counterfeit documents";
• English language training was given to 4 cynologists of the State Border Guard, as well
as general preparation before in-service training in Finland on the EU external border (project
No.2010-1-LV1-LEO 02-00747);
• 39 border guards were trained in examination of par biometric travel documents (within
the framework of project ĀRF/2008/4 of Programme 2008 of the External Border Fund, the
Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, the Ministry of Interior);
• 54 border guards were trained before their participation in joint operations of
FRONTEX Agency;
• 75 border guards acquired the qualification improvement programme "Detection of
footprint and further action with such prints”;
• 45 border guards graduated the College of the State Border Guard and acquired the
fourth level of professional qualification as well as qualification "Junior officer of the State
Border Guard";

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• 99 border guards graduated the School of Border Guards in the College of the State
Border Guard and acquired the third level of professional qualification as well as qualification
"State border inspector";
• 33 border guards improved their English language skills in the Language School of the
National Armed Forces;
• 40 officials of the State Border Guard improved their qualification regarding best
practices in EU Member States in identification and learnt about best practices of a detained
asylum seekers’ centre.
• 2 officials of the State Border Guard were trained in special courses for dactyloscopy
experts.
In 2010 for the purpose of ensuring the events related to the NATO General Assembly
session in Riga, the State Border Guard purchase additionally to the technical equipment in
disposal of the State Border Guard: passport readers, computers, software for REIS mobile
application and REIS software which enables the examination of lists of flight passengers.
4(l) a coordinated approach by Member States by developing the network of liaison officers in
countries of origin and transit.
Please describe recent or planned developments with regard to your Member State’s
liaison officers in countries of origin and transit.
For cooperation with countries of origin and transit of immigrants, the State Border
Guard has sent, by presenting the interest of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, communication
officers in the matters of immigration to Georgia, Belarus and Russia, a communication officer
(airline coordinator) and a communication officer (document consultant) to Georgia. The State
Border Guard plans to continue the activities in the said third countries also in 2011. The State
Border Guard does not plan any changes in the field of operation of its communication officers.
5.3 Key statistics
Third-country nationals apprehended
Third-country
nationals
apprehended 192 187
Third-country nationals regularised
Third-country nationals regularised -
6 Return
6.1 European Pact on Immigration and Asylum (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for
each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Pact for this sub-section are in particular:
II(b) To conclude readmission agreements at EU or bilateral level
Please list the number of bilateral agreements negotiated and achieved during the
reference period, specifying their purpose and with which third country. Also list the EU
192 Third-country nationals who were detained in 2010, pursuant to Section 51 of the Immigration Law.
Information provided by officials of the State Border Guard.

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readmission agreements in which your Member State took part during the reference
period. You could use the following table:
Type of readmission
agreement
(EU or bilateral)
European Union’s
readmission agreement
Third countries involved Main purpose of the
agreement
Georgia
In 2010, the Republic of Latvia has signed readmission protocols for fulfilment of
agreements with the Russian Federation and the Republic of Moldova. The Commission of the
European Union was informed about the conclusion of the readmission protocols with the said
countries.
Currently, bilateral readmission agreements are being drafted with the following
countries: Azerbaijan, Kosovo and Colombia.
By taking into account that agreements of the European Community with third countries
provide signature of readmission protocols for the fulfilment of the bilateral agreements from
the Member States, the Republic of Latvia has draft protocols for the fulfilment of the
readmission agreement with the following third countries in the coordination process:
3) The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia;
4) Bosnia and Herzegovina
Please only provide information on readmission agreements. Information on other
agreements with third countries will need to be added in other sections of the report (e.g.
Sections 8 and 13).
II(f) To devise incentive systems to assist voluntary return and to keep each other informed
Please describe (planned) measures to promote voluntary return, assistance provided in
voluntary return, provision of information to other Member States on person returned.
Draft law "Amendment to the Immigration Law", which was announced by the Meeting of
the State Secretaries on 27 May 2010, stipulates new rules to improve the standards and
procedures in the Republic of Latvia in relation to return of third-country nationals. The said
draft law includes amendments giving an opportunity to a third-country national to cancel a
deportation order, if he or she will apply for the voluntary return programme. By introducing
the amendment to the Law, the conditions of the Latvian migration policy will be considerably
more favourable for promotion of voluntary return of third-country nationals.
In 2010, Riga Office of the International Organization for Migration, within the framework
of project "Preparation of the Return and Reintegration System in Latvia", has helped 40 illegal
immigrants to use the voluntary return programme. Riga Office of the International
Organization for Migration will continue to promote return of illegal immigrants to their
countries of origin by using the support from the European Return Fund. Within the framework
of the voluntary return programme, travel costs of an illegal immigrant’s return to the country
of origin are paid and reintegration assistance is provided.
The State Border Guard exchanges information regarding expelled persons with
FRONTEX agency in report form.

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6.2 Stockholm Programme (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Stockholm Programme for this sub-section are in
particular:
4(c) ensuring that the objective of the EU’s efforts on readmission should add value and
increase the efficiency of return policies, including existing bilateral agreements and practices
Please describe how the bilateral and EU readmission agreements are contributing to the
implementation of your Member State’s return policy.
Readmission agreements between the Republic of Latvia and the European Union make
contribution to successful fulfilment of return of illegal immigrants, by enabling efficient and
targeted implementation of return activities. Implementation of the said agreements gives an
opportunity for a third country to study a number of its nationals who have been returned by
forced return from the Republic of Latvia for offences related to illegal residence.
4(e) assistance by the Commission and Frontex and Member States on a voluntary basis, to
Member States which face specific and disproportionate pressures, in order to ensure the
effectiveness of their return policies towards certain third states
Please describe whether your Member State has benefited from / has provided any return
support in case of specific and disproportionate pressures in your / in another Member
State. Note that joint return flights are to be discussed under the following commitment.
4(f) increased practical cooperation between Member States, for instance by regular
chartering of joint return flights
Please describe practical cooperation with other Member States in the area of return,
such as the organisation of joint return flights, the preparation of travel documents, etc.
Please see the reply in Section 5.1. Illegal immigration IId.
6.3 Key statistics
Third-country nationals ordered to leave and returned
Ordered to
leave
Returned
following an
order to leave
Returned as part
of forced return
measures
Returned through an
Assisted Return
Programme
Third-country
nationals 193 209 195 94 16 194
7 Actions against human trafficking
193 Data summarised on 12 months of 2010.
194 Data provided by IOM Riga Office

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7.1 European Pact on Immigration and Asylum (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for
each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Pact for this sub-section are in particular:
II(e) cooperation with the countries of origin and of transit, in particular to combat human
trafficking and to provide better information to communities under threat
Please describe any (planned) actions at national level to fight human trafficking and
incorporation of third countries within them, awareness raising actions in third countries
addressing communities at risk, etc. Please only refer to cooperation with regard to
combating human trafficking. Information on other types of cooperation will need to be
provided in other sections of the report (e.g. Sections 10 and 13).
Until now, Latvia has signed cooperation agreements for the cooperation in fight against
terrorism, organized crime and illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and
precursors and other criminal offences, within the framework of which cooperation is envisaged
also in fight against human trafficking with Uzbekistan, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Belarus,
Armenia. Within the framework of the said agreements, information and data exchange is made,
mutual operational activities are performed, as well as exchange of experience, consultations in
the field of development of regulatory enactments, exchange of experience in the field of
training or personnel.
In 2010, two meetings of cross-border cooperation in the field of prevention of human
trafficking were organized with, so far, the only country of origin of human trafficking victims
as third-country national: competent officials of Belarus.
On 10 June 2010, employees of the Human Trafficking Prevention Division of the
Organised Crime Combating Department, the Chief Criminal Police Board of the State Police
and the State Border Guard participated in the seminar which was organised in Vitebsk, Belarus
"Cooperation of law enforcement institutions, international and non-governmental organizations
in prevention of human trafficking". Within the framework of the seminar, meetings were held
with the head of the criminal militia of the Narcotic Drugs and Human Trafficking Combating
Department, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus. During the meeting with responsible
officials, future course of mutual cooperation was discussed, as well as combating of human
trafficking in the period from the end of 2007 till 2009, the results of successfully completed
cross-border investigation against a group of Latvian and Belarusian citizens who organized
delivery of young women for voluntary prostitution to Riga for several years.
In 2007-2009, a network of human trafficking and soutenerism was stopped as a result of
the cross-border investigation which was made successfully in both countries, and the organizers
of the said network have been convicted.
Participation in the international conference “Combating of Human Trafficking: New
Challenges and Treats", which was organized by the International Organization for Migration,
the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, the International Development
Cooperation Agency of Sweden and the Swedish Institute, and was held on 15 October 2010 in
Belarus, Minsk. Chairperson of the Board of society of Latvian governmental organisations
"Asylum "Drošā māja"", S.Zalcmane, participated in the Conference with a presentation and
mentioned as one of the most important problems the combating of fictitious marriages of
citizens of Latvia as a new form in human trafficking, through cooperation of the state police,
non-governmental institutions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the police of a destination
country. Latvia is still deemed as the country of origin of victims from human trafficking, and
there is no basis to declare that Latvia has become a transit and/or destination country of human
trafficking victims. In 2010, no cases of human trafficking transit has been detected in Latvia,
same as cases of human trafficking according to the understanding of the Protocol to prevent,

108
suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children, supplementing the
United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, to Latvia or in the country.
Internet site www.cilvektirdznieciba.lv (www.trafficking.lv) is an informative space
where the public can access quality information, also in English and Russian, regarding all
matters related to human trafficking; it is a public tool for ensuring mutual communication
among institutions of the state administration and the society.
During conference "Combating of Human Trafficking: New Challenges and Treats", which was
organised by “Patvērums “Drošā māja”, Latvian non-governmental organisations established
contacts with similar organizations, discussed various practical cooperation issues, and,
possibly, non-governmental organisations of „Patvērums “Drošā māja”” will have an
opportunity to participate in preventive activities in Belarus and in other countries.
The Ministry of Interior, at the meeting of State Secretaries on 17 June 2010, submitted a
draft agreement regarding the cooperation of the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of
Portugal for fight against transnational organized crime. It is envisaged that the agreement will
provide the legal framework for the cooperation of the countries in fight against transnational
organized crime in compliance with relevant regulatory enactments.
Cooperation between the agreement parties in relation to combating illicit trafficking in
narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances includes exchange of information about location and
identification of persons or objects related to transnational organized crime, as well as exchange
of information about human trafficking, sexual abuse of women and minors, illegal migration or
illicit trafficking of stolen vehicles, money laundering or illegal legalization of other means or
products, or illicit trafficking in weapons, munitions and explosives or nuclear weapons.
The cooperation agreement will enable practical development of the cooperation
between the two countries and will provide direct communication among competent law
enforcement institutions of the both parties, in order the information exchange about planned or
committed criminal offences would be fast.
In 2010, structural units of the State Border Guard have not cooperated with countries of
origin and transit of third-country nationals in the field of combating of human trafficking.
7.2 Stockholm Programme (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Stockholm are similar to the Pact commitments; hence
no further description is required.
7.3 Key statistics
Third-country nationals receiving a residence permit as victims of human trafficking
Third-country nationals 0
Traffickers arrested and convicted
Arrested / otherwise involved
in a criminal proceeding Convicted
Traffickers 38 195 21 196
195 In 2010, 3 persons were detained under Section 154¹ of the Criminal Law (human trafficking) who later
admitted as suspects, and one person additionally was admitted as suspect. 25 persons were detained under Section
165¹ of the Criminal Law (sending a person for sexual exploitation).
196 By November 2010, 2 persons have been convicted under Section 154¹ of the Criminal Law (human
trafficking) and 14 persons have been convicted under Section 165¹ of the Criminal Law (sending a person for
sexual exploitation).

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BORDER CONTROL
8 Control and surveillance at external borders
8.1 European Pact on Immigration and Asylum (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for
each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Pact for this sub-section are in particular:
III(a) more effective control of the external land, sea and air borders:
Please describe any relevant (planned) developments to ensure more effective control,
such as reinforcing border control staff, providing training, increasing overall resources.
Note that technological means are to be described under the Pact commitment below.
In 2010, the structural units of the State Border Guard participated in:
• international operation “Quiet Sea 2010". Purpose of the operation: examinations for
vessels that are admitted as suspects for carrying of smuggled goods and narcotic drugs;
• Operational – tactical training organised by the State Border Guard "RONIS 2010".
Purpose of the training: examination of the readiness of crew change of the State Border Guard
ship vessels at the base location and at sea (exercise of examination of the readiness of ship
vessel K-3), as well as improvement of the cooperation quality with cooperation structural
units, namely, detection of violators of ship and speed boats by the use of the Sea Video
Surveillance System, mobile surveillance kit and radar system, pursuance and detention of a
suspicious vessel, examination of a vessel and a speedboat at sea, delivery of a detained vessel
to port, people search and rescue activities, transportation of a victim to hospital, application of
procedural measures to detained persons and detained vessels;
• Tactical trainings organized by the State Border Guard on land external borders.
Purpose of the training: improve the methodology for detection and detaining of trespassers
and illegal immigrants, methods and mutual cooperation among the structural units of the State
Border Guard, as well as improve the cooperation between the territorial administration of the
State Border Guard and the Aviation Administration of the State Border Guard;
• international operation on the Latvian – Russian and Latvian – Belarusian borders
"UNITY".
Funds for protection of the state borders in 2010 were reduced in proportion to the
decreased budget totally allocated to the State Border Guard.
III(e) deploy modern technological means for border control:
Please describe any new technological equipment purchased and used during the
reference period, including IT systems, surveillance equipment, automated border
controls and fast track lanes, etc. If possible, also make reference to any developments
relevant to the EU entry / exit system, the EU Registered Traveller Programme, the
Schengen Information System (SIS II) and European Border Surveillance System.
In 2010, new border control technological means were not purchase By taking into
account the scopes of the European Border Surveillance Systems (EUROSUR and
MARSUNO), the existing systems will be improved in the future that will be used in the sea
border surveillance and in specific cases they will be integrated within a common information
network. By introducing the European Union entry/return and the European Union registered
travellers’ system, it will be necessary to ensure the link to the national border crossing system.
8.2 Stockholm Programme (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for each commitment)

110
The relevant commitments in the Stockholm Programme for this sub-section are in
particular:
7(i) invites the Member States and the Commission to explore how the different types of checks
carried out at the external border can be better coordinated, integrated and rationalised with a
view to the twin objective of facilitating access and improving security.
Please describe any relevant (planned) actions taken to better coordinate different types
of border checks (e.g. automated and non-automated, fast-track and non fast-track) at
the external borders.
The State Border Guard participates in working parties organized by FRONTEX which
discuss matters of the introduction of the Automated Border Control System in their countries,
as well as the use other technologies for the improvement of border examination process. The
State Border Guard has included in its plans for development the possibility to implement the
introduction of the Automated Border Control System in cooperation with Riga Airport, as well
as development of other technologies in 2014.
Besides, by using the External Border Fund financing, the State Border Guard plans to
carry out the following activities in 2011–2013:
1) development of the existing "green" border control system UNIFORM of the State
Border Guard;
2) equipping of Schengen vans with technical means;
3) renewal of vehicles used in border surveillance and border examinations;
4) improvement of the border technical protection, control and information system by
purchasing infrared, magnetic and seismic sensors;
5) purchase of equipment and inventory for officials of the State Border Guard.
8.3 Key statistics
Third-country nationals refused entry
Third-country
refused entry
nationals
Total
refused
Refused
the
border
at
land
Refused at the
sea border
Refused at the
air border
880 465 30 385
Visas issued
Total Visas Schengen Visas National Visas
Visas 141 887 139 770 2117
9 Cooperation with respect to border control
9.1 European Pact on Immigration and Asylum (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for
each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Pact for this sub-section are in particular:
III(b) generalise the issue of biometric visas, improve cooperation between MSs' consulates
and set up joint consular services for visas:

111
Please describe (planned) developments in relation to biometric visas, for example the
share of visas issued which are biometric, regions covered, pilot measures and testing, etc,
also referring to the Visa Information System (VIS).
With regard to cooperation between Member State consular services and the set up of
joint consular services for visas, please describe any relevant progress in this area, for
example listing the visa representation agreements signed and the Member States
involved (please specify whether you Member State represents these Member States or
vice versa.
By the introduction of the Central Visa Information System (henceforth – CVIS), the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs is planning to start taking the biometric data of visa applicants in
compliance with the regions specified by the European Commission – VIS Roll-out. In
compliance with VIS Roll-out, by introducing the CVIS, it will be necessary to start the taking
of biometric data of visa applicants in the region of Northern Africa where the embassy of the
Republic of Latvia in Egypt is situated. In the next stage, the taking of biometric data of visa
applicants will be started in the Middle East region where embassy of the Republic of Latvia in
Israel is situated. The said embassies have purchased equipment for taking fingerprints of visa
applicants and, as soon as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs receives the software applicant from
the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs required for linking the biometric data
equipment with the National Visa Information System (NVIS), as well as required training to
use the equipment in practice, the biometric data taking equipment will be tested.
In 2010, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs worked for the successful
implementation of project "Development of the national VIS by ensuring the compliance of it
with the final technical documentation of the European Commission and provision of required
training to the users of the system" under the External Border Fund Programme 2009. In 2010,
within the framework of the project, an agreement was signed on the improvement of the
National Visa Information System, VisMail and Vision functionality; the first tests were made
with other Member States for testing the software. It is planned to develop a pilot project of an
e-questionnaire until the end of April 2011, and it is planned to start training in 2011 for
practical work with the Central Visa Information System and the National Visa Information
System in order to acquire the visa issuance process.
On 12 November 2010, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs signed an
agreement with joint-stock company "RIX Technologies" regarding development of a new
electronic service: electronic application for a Schengen visa, in order to ease the work of
consular missions. It is planned to test the service in a pilot project in June 2011, the other
signed agreement provides the development of a new system of invitations with completion
date June 2011.
On 25 November 2010, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs announced a
procurement tender for the modernization of the National Visa Information System, in order to
purchase necessary equipment within the framework of the project and to start using the
equipment, according to the provisions of the Visa Code, necessary for taking biometric data
and reading of electronic travel documents.
Latvia as the Member State of the European Union and Schengen Agreement continues
its active participation in the cooperation for consular matters among the Member States of the
European Union and Schengen Agreement. Same as in the previous years, missions of the
Republic of Latvia abroad and particularly missions of Latvia situated outside the Schengen
area are increasingly focusing on the participation of responsible officials in local Schengen
cooperation meetings. Due to the local Schengen cooperation, missions of Latvia and other
Schengen Member States can not only exchange information quickly and detect those visa

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applicants who submit visa applications without good fate, but also make decisions more
actively on what should be done to harmonize the reviewing of visa application in compliance
with the Schengen acquis.
In 2010, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued its work with other Schengen
Member States in order to agree on the possibilities of representation in countries where Latvia
does not have its diplomatic or consular mission, as well as consider the possibilities to
represent another Schengen Member State in the field of visas. As a result, in the field of visas
Latvia is represented by 7 Schengen Member States (Germany, Hungary, France, the
Netherlands, Slovenia, Slovakia, Lithuania and Estonia), which represent Latvia in 53 different
locations worldwide. But Latvia currently represents 7 Schengen Member States in the field of
Schengen visas (Hungary, France, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Lithuania, Estonia and Sweden)
in totally 8 locations worldwide. Latvia has developed good cooperation with other Member
States to the Schengen Agreement, thus the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans also in 2011 to
continue and to expand the started cooperation with Member States to the Schengen Agreement
in the field of representation of Schengen visas.
By taking into account that a large number of citizens of Ukraine reside and enter
Latvia from various regions of Ukraine, it is important to facilitate the procedure for
submission of visa applications by making it more accessible, therefore Latvia as the first
among the Schengen Member States decided to provide an opportunity to citizens of Ukraine to
submit an visa application in all the regions of Ukraine. In order to implement this activity, the
Latvian Embassy in Ukraine has started cooperation, from 1 December 2010, with courier mail
service Pony Express. Further, citizens of Ukraine will have an opportunity to send visa
application documents to the Latvian Embassy in Ukraine by using the branches of courier mail
service Pony Express in Dnepropetrovsk, Donetsk, Lvov, Odessa, Kharkov and Simferopol.
Service fee to Pony Express will equal to EUR 30 (approximately LVL 21).
However, also in the future citizens of Ukraine will have the right to visit the Latvian
Embassy in Ukraine in Kiev for receiving a visa. Thus, visa applicants will have an opportunity
to choose: submit visa applications to the Embassy or via regional branches of courier mail
service Pony Express.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs that this is the first project of this type
implemented in Ukraine. Until now, none of the Member States to the Schengen Agreement
has provided opportunities to submit a visa application in all the regions of Ukraine. Following
the initiative of Latvia, the project is simultaneously implemented also by Estonia. The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs is confident that the implementation of this project will provide the
necessary conditions for residents of remote regions of Ukraine to enjoy more convenient and
accessible procedure for submission of visa applications, easier travel and facilitated personal
and business contacts.
III(d) solidarity with MS subjected to disproportionate influxes of immigrants
Please describe whether your Member State has benefited from / has provided any
support with regard to border control in case of specific and disproportionate pressures
in your / in another Member State. Also provide information on your Member State’s
relevant participation in FRONTEX, by type of activity (e.g. joint operations). Note that
information on other forms of support with respect to disproportionate influxes are to be
provided in other sections (e.g. section 7).
In cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme, the participation was
started in 2010 in the programme financed by the European Commission Supporting Integrated
Border Management Systems in the South Caucasus (SCIBM) for provision of support to
Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Being the project implementation partner, the State Border

113
Guard expressed its readiness to participate in the project implementation as the lead institution
for implementation of module 2 "Strengthening of Operational Techniques and Procedures".
In 2010, the State Border Guard participated and continues to participate in joint
operations of FRONTEX Agency:
• "POSEIDON 2010". Purpose of the operation: to ensure the surveillance of the sea and
land borders by using technical equipment and experts of Member States, with the objective to
reduce the threat of illegal immigration on external sea and land borders of Greece-Turkey.
Currently 2 mobile surveillance sets, 2 motorboats and one helicopter with their crew
participates and will participate in the future in the said joint activity of FRONTEX Agency
from the State Border Guard.
• "ATTICA 2010". Purpose: to provide support to institutions of Greece in the
identification and repatriation of illegal immigrant who have arrived through the sea and land
borders.
• "HERMES 2010". Purpose: to provide sea border surveillance in order to reduce the
threat of illegal immigration from the borders of Italy-Tunisia and Italy-Algeria.
• "FOCAL POINTS 2010 Air". Purpose: to improve the coordination of border
management, ensure exchange of information in real time, strengthen the border surveillance
among border-crossing points. Representatives of the State Border Guard provided support in
airports of Greece, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Lithuanian, Spain, Belgium and the
Czech Republic.
• "Hubble 2010". Purpose: combating of illegal immigration on the air borders of the
European Union without emphasising any specific group of third-country nationals.
Representatives of the State Border Guard provided support at airport of Germany.
• "Hammer 2010". Purpose: to create a flexible system which would be able to respond,
within maximum short period of time, to potential threat (illegal immigration, human
smuggling and other) on the external borders of the European Union. Representatives of the
State Border Guard provided support in airports of Poland and Spain.
• "UNITY 2010". During the operation in Poland and Lithuania, with the support of
officials of the State Border Guard, activities were carried out for combating illegal acts and
detection of cross-border criminal offences.
• "FOCAL POINT 2010 Land". Purpose: to improve the coordination of border
management, ensure exchange of information in real time, use focus points to facilitate the
placement of RABIT and FJST participants, strengthen border surveillance among bordercrossing
points. Representatives of the State Border Guard provided support at land border
control points of Estonia, Lithuania, Hungary, Finland, Poland, Bulgaria and Slovakia.
• "NEPTUNE 2010". Purpose: to strengthen the border control procedures on the
external borders of Slovenia and Hungary, by facilitating detection of illegal immigrants,
detection of persons hiding in vehicles, as well as detection of guest workers and persons
who have exceeded the period of residence and are employed illegally in a Member State of
the European Union.
• "JUPITER 2010". Purpose: combating of illegal immigration from or via Ukraine and
Moldova, by using the "green" border and border control points.
The State Border Guard plans to continue its active participation in activities of
FRONTEX on the external borders of the European Union.
III(f) intensify cooperation with the countries of origin and of transit in order to strengthen
border control
Please list any new or planned agreements, and other forms of bilateral and multilateral
cooperation with third countries, specifying which countries, specifically in order to
strengthen the control of external borders and to combat illegal immigration. This could

114
include the provision of border equipment, training of border guards, etc. Please note
that wider / more comprehensive agreements are to be described under section 13
addressing the Global Approach to Migration.
In recent years, the State Border Guard has increased its capacity and has considerably
increased the number of its activities internationally in the EU by developing bilateral
cooperation with third countries and by participating in international projects, by sharing the
experience accumulated by the State Border Guard to developing countries in the field of
border security.
In 2010, the State Border Guard participated and continues to participate in the
following international projects of assistance to third countries:
• In November 2009, the State Border Guard, within the framework of the project
financed by the European Commission and in partnership with the United Nations
Development Programme, in cooperation with border guard services of several other countries,
started its participation in the project under programme financed by the European Commission
Supporting Integrated Border Management Systems in the South Caucasus (SCIBM) for
provision of support to Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Being the project implementation
partner, the State Border Guard expressed its readiness to participate in the project
implementation as the lead institution for implementation of Module 2 "Strengthening of
Operational Techniques and Procedures". The specific objectives of the module are: to inform
officials of state institutions about the concept of the integrated border management, to develop
procedure for exchange of information, to improve procedures at border crossing points, to
develop risk analysis, to develop procedure manuals and to implement also other activities.
• In 2009, the State Border Guard participated actively in debates of the project of the
Eastern Partnership of the European Commission Integrated border management and came up
with a proposal to organise, in 2010, a few components in the project preparation phase – to
provide training to officials of the target countries of the Eastern Partnership: Moldova,
Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan in the field of document expertise. The
said training seminar was organised in Riga on 14 April 2010. The State Border Guard
expressed its readiness to undertake, for implementation of the project and within the
framework of sub-module "Training in the field of counterfeit documents" of project module
"Increasing of training capacity", to provide several trainings to officials of the countries. the
proposals were submitted to the Eastern Partnership Division of the European Commission and
received positive feedback in the project evaluation meetings. implementation of the project is
planned till the end of 2012;
• On 13-17 September 2010, within the framework of the Border Management
Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA) which is financed by the European Commission and
implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International
Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), training visit was organised in the State
Border Guard in order to introduce to a model of integrated border management developed in
Latvia, as well as best practices of cooperation among institutions involved in provision of
border security and control of movement of goods on the Latvian state border. The event was
attended by the highest rank officials of border control institutions from the countries of
Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), as well as
representatives of UNDP, ICMPD. With the aim to participate as a trainer at the regional
cynologists' training for Central Asia border guard staff working with dogs who detect narcotic
drugs and explosives, an inspector of the Professional Preparation Division of the Cynology
Service, the College of the State Border Guard, was delegated to a work mission to Uzbekistan
(Tashkent) in October 2010;

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The State Border Guard on regular basis cooperates with Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine,
Azerbaijan, Belarus in the level of management and experts of institutions.
Within its competence in 2010, criminal investigation units of the State Border Guard
have cooperated with related departments of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, as the countries of
origin of immigrants, as well as with related departments of Lithuania, Estonia and Finland as
the countries of transit of immigrants.
9.2 Stockholm Programme (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Stockholm Programme for this sub-section are in
particular:
6(a) The European Council encourages the Commission and Member States to take advantage
of the entry into force of the Visa Code and the gradual roll-out of the VIS
Please describe the progress of implementation of the Visa Code and VIS, if not already
provided under Pact Commitment III(b) above.
In order to ensure success of the Visa Code implementation process, in 2010,
representatives of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued
regular participation in the visa working parties of the Council of the European Union and
meetings of the Visa Committee organised by the European Commission in Brussels, and
informed consular officials in diplomatic and consular missions abroad regarding current issues
and future plans in the field of issue of visas. Taking into account the requirements of the Visa
Code, current practice in embassies and consular offices was evaluated and necessary
developments as well as training of consular officials was performed for successful start of
application of the Visa Code. Attention of consular officials was drawn also to the need to
participate, within the framework of local Schengen cooperation, in meetings of the Schengen
Agreement member states in order to discuss and agree on the matters to be harmonized in the
procedure for review of visa applications.
In order to comply with the provisions of Paragraph one, Article 6 of the Visa Code that
a visa application shall be examined and decided on by the consulate of the competent Member
State in whose jurisdiction the applicant legally resides, and in order to comply with the
amendment to Paragraph five of Section 13 of the Immigration Law regarding the delegation to
the Cabinet of Ministers to issue regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers that will specify the
territorial competence of diplomatic and consular missions of the Republic of Latvia abroad in
issuance of visas, the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of 3 August 2010 approved
Regulation No. 725 "Regulation on the Territorial Competence of Diplomatic and Consular
Missions of the Republic of Latvia in Requests of Visas" which was developed by the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs.
The State Border Guard applies the Visa Code to full extent and, in 2010, has prepared
a range of internal regulatory documents to ensure the issue, annulment, cancellation of visas
according to the new regulation. The visa information system is being introduced in
cooperation with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs according to the plan of
introduction of the visa information system.
Starting from 5 April 2010, there are two categories of visas: entry or C category visa
and airport transit visa or A category visa. Until 4 April 2010, also B category visas were used,
and now such visas are replaced with C category visas with the purpose of entry: transit, but the
EU Visa Code does not regulate the procedure for issuance of long-term or D category visa, but
national legislation of Member States shall be applied to such visas also in the future.

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In order to introduce the requirements of the Visa Code, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
will, in cooperation with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, amendments to the
Immigration Law for submission thereof to the Stat Chancellery. The said amendment to the
Law would provide the procedure for motivation of refusing a visa as well as appeal against
refusal.
ASYLUM
10 International Protection
10.1 European Pact on Immigration and Asylum (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for
each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Pact for this sub-section are in particular:
IV(c) solidarity with MS which are faced with specific and disproportionate pressures on their
national asylum systems:
Please provide information on support provided to Member States experiencing specific
and disproportionate pressures on their national asylum systems, with regard to the
processing of requests for international protection. This could include seconding staff and
sending resources or equipment.
Latvia has not provided assistance to Member States of the European Union which have
experienced disproportionately large pressures to their national asylum systems caused by the
number of asylum seekers. At the same time, Latvia supports the solidarity policy of the
European Union regarding the need for voluntary activities, and the possible participation of
Latvia in assisting Member States of the European Union may be assessed in the future, with
the view to the course of development of the EU asylum policy.
Please describe any action undertaken with regard to the reallocation from Member
States experiencing specific and disproportionate pressures of beneficiaries of
international protection to other Member States. This relates to intra-EU movements, for
example, as part of EU projects.
Until now, Latvia has not engaged in activities associated with resettlement of persons
who have received international protection in a Member State of the European Union. At the
same time, Latvia supports the solidarity policy of the European Union regarding the need for
voluntary activities in order to provide international protection to member states faced with
specific and disproportionate pressures in the national asylum system.
IV(d) strengthen cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees to ensure better protection for people outside the territory of European Union
Member States who request protection, in particular by moving, on a voluntary basis, towards
the resettlement within the European Union
Please describe resettlement activities to your Member State of people placed under the
protection of the Office of the UNHCR in third countries, specifying from which
countries.

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Also in 2010, Latvia was not involved in resettlement activities and has not
implemented a resettlement programme, also Latvia does not plan to participate in such
programmes within the nearest future. In the opinion of Latvia, the voluntary participation
principle should be maintained for participation in resettlement activities.
In order to strengthen the cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR), the State Border Guard has prepared a draft Memorandum of
Understanding in order to improve the exchange of information, as well as provision of
necessary support to persons who wish to obtain international protection.
IV(e) MS are invited to provide the personnel responsible for external border controls with
training in the rights and obligations pertaining to international protection
Please describe the provision or planning of provision of such training (and in which way,
number and percentage of border control staff trained)…)
40 officials of the State Border Guard improved their qualification for best practices of
the EU member states for identification and interviewing of asylum seekers, drafting of
admission documents, and also familiarised themselves with best practices in operation of
centres for detained asylum seekers.
10.2 Key statistics
Asylum applications and decisions
Applicat
ions
Total
applicati
ons
under
consider
ation
First instance decisions on asylum applications
Total
positi
ve
Reject
ed
Geneva
Convent
ion
Subsidia
ry
protecti
on
Tempo
rary
protect
ion
Huma
nitari
an
status
Asylum
application
s 63 24 27 6 18 0 0
Third-country nationals reallocated and resettled to your Member States
Total Reallocated Resettled
Third-country
- - -
nationals
Training of border guards on asylum
Total number of border
guards
Border guards 2373 197 40
Border guards who received
training
UNACCOMPANIED MINORS AND OTHER VULNERABLE GROUPS
197 Total number of officials of the State Border Guard with the special service ranks.

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11 Unaccompanied Minors (and other vulnerable groups)
11.1 European Pact on Immigration and Asylum
No specific commitments are included.
11.2 Stockholm Programme (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Stockholm Programme for this sub-section are in
particular:
5(a) develop an action plan, to be adopted by the Council, on unaccompanied minors which
underpins and supplements the relevant legislative and financial instruments and combines
measures directed at prevention, protection and assisted return
Please describe any developments in relation to unaccompanied minors at national and
international levels.
11.3 Key statistics
Unaccompanied minors
Number of unaccompanied minors 5
Number of asylum applicants considered to
be unaccompanied minors 5
GLOBAL APPROACH TO MIGRATION
12 External cooperation / global approach to migration
12.1 European Pact on Immigration and Asylum (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for
each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Pact for this sub-section are in particular:
V(a) conclude EU-level or bilateral agreements with the countries of origin and of transit
containing clause on legal and illegal migration as well as development
Please provide information on any (planned) EU level or bilateral agreements (e.g.
Mobility Partnerships), which are in addition to those mentioned under Sections 1.1, Pact
commitment I(a) Implement policies for labour migration; 7.1, Pact commitment II(b) To
conclude readmission agreements; and 11, Pact commitment III(f) intensify cooperation
with the countries of origin and of transit in order to strengthen border control. These
could include wider, more comprehensive agreements covering various elements related
to legal and illegal migration, as well as return. List them, including the third countries
with which they have been concluded and their content. In case of bilateral agreements,
also indicate whether the Commission was informed.
Latvia is one of the member states which have signed the European Union Mobility
Partnership with Georgia which is one of the priority countries for Latvia in the framework of
the EU Neighbourhood Policy and the Development Cooperation Policy. Within the framework
of the Mobility Partnership with Georgia, in the end of 2009 Latvia implemented a project

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aimed to strengthen the institutional capacity of Georgia in matters of migration and population
register, by organising a training visit for 5 officials of Georgia. Besides, in spring of this year,
the Border Guard of Latvia organised a training seminar about security of travel documents and
detection of counterfeit documents, which was attended by representatives of the Border Guard
of Georgia. Concurrently with the said activities, the State Border Guard in cooperation with
FRONTEX agency is addressing the possibility of implementing a project in the field of border
management, namely, to provide aid to establishment of the Cynology Service of the Border
Guard of Georgia and its further development.
An example table is presented below.
Type of agreement Third countries involved Main purpose of the
agreement
(EU or bilateral)
Bilateral agreement Republic of Albania Cooperation in combating
terrorism, organized crime,
illicit trafficking in narcotic
drugs, psychotropic
substances and precursors.
Bilateral agreement Republic of Armenia Cooperation in the fight
against criminal offences to
morality and sexual offence,
sexual exploitation,
particularly of children,
criminal offences related to
illegal immigration.
In 2010, the competent Latvian authorities have commenced the process of harmonization
of the following agreements:
• Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of
the Republic of Belarus regarding the regime of the Latvia—Belarus state border;
• Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of
the Russian Federation regarding places of crossing the Latvian-Russian state border.
Since agreements regarding cooperation in the field of prevention and combating of
organised crime envisage also potential cooperation in the field of prevention and combating of
illegal migration, draft agreements of the above-mentioned field with Russian, Tajikistan and
Turkmenistan are in the process of harmonization.
V(b) offer the nationals of partner countries to the East and South of Europe opportunities for
the legal immigration
Please indicate whether, in relation to the labour migration policy and related
developments set out in Section 1.1, whether any of these favour labour and circular
migration and specify which third countries from the East and South of Europe.

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All third-country nationals have the same rights to be employed in Latvia, in
accordance with the procedure for employment of third-country nationals included in the
Immigration Law and related Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers.
V(c) cooperation with the countries of origin and of transit in order to deter or prevent illegal
immigration
Please describe any cooperation, in addition to the cooperation outlined in Pact
commitment V(a) above, Sections 8, Pact commitment II(e) cooperation with the
countries of origin and of transit, in particular to combat human trafficking and section
11, Pact commitment III(f) intensify cooperation with the countries of origin and of
transit in order to strengthen border control, which has focused on deterring or
preventing illegal immigration. This may include concrete cooperation activities, capacity
building and agreements.
The State Border Guard, within the framework of the "Agreement between the State
Border Guard of the Republic of Latvia and the Federal Migration Service of the Russian
Federation Regarding Cooperation in the Field of Combating Illegal Immigration", has
organised two visits of exchange of experience in 2010 that were related to the matters of
accommodation of illegal immigrants. The State Border Guard, within the framework of the
joint working party of Latvia and Russia for fight against illegal migration in 2010 has made
exchange of updated information between Latvia and Russia and has organised exchange of
risk analysis data between the State Border Guard and Pskov Regional Authority of the Federal
Security Services of the Russian Federation and Russian Federation. In 2010 within the
framework of the cooperation plan, meeting with representatives of the Border Guard
Committee of Belarus was organised in order to share experience of the State Border Guard
and the best practice in the field of immigration control.
V(d) More effective integration of migration and development policies
Please describe any relevant activity, for example studies and development of such
approach, solidarity development projects, etc.
V(e) promote co-development actions and support instrument for transferring migrants'
remittances
Please describe any relevant developments and activities in the area of remittances,
including financial support to such actions, implementation of an instrument for
transferring migrants' remittances, etc.
12.2 Stockholm Programme (1-2 paragraphs in the text box created for each commitment)
The relevant commitments in the Stockholm Programme for this sub-section are in
particular:

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11(h) how diaspora groups may be further involved in EU development initiatives, and how EU
Member States may support diaspora groups in their efforts to enhance development in their
countries of origin
Please provide information on a possible national policy or actions with regard to
supporting diaspora groups in enhancing development in their countries of origin.
On 11-14 October 2010, three leading officials of the Moldovan judicial system visited
Latvia within the framework of the development cooperation project. The project aimed to
provide support to the strengthening of the rule of law, democracy and administrative capacity
of Moldova. During the visit for exchange of experience, the representatives of Moldova
familiarised themselves with the work organisation of the Latvian judicial system institutions
and met officials of the Supreme Court, the Riga Regional Court, the Court Administration,
and the Latvian Judicial Training Centre. Moldova as the key current objective has set its
integration to the European Union, thus the implementation of this project made a positive
contribution to the course of reforms in Moldova. The project was implemented by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Court Administration with Court
Administration.
It must be admitted that, due to the lack of funds for development cooperation projects
in 2010, involvement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the field of development
cooperation projects regarding migration has been limited.

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