POLICY REPORT ON IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM IN LATVIA ...

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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]