Фото: Сейм Латвии
Latvia’s Saeima has passed a new Immigration Law in its final reading, significantly revising the country’s existing migration regulations. The main provisions of the law will enter into force on January 1, 2027, Delfi reports.
The law is aimed at strengthening national security, improving the effectiveness of migration control and implementing European Union requirements. The new regulations cover the entry, residence, employment, integration and removal procedures of third-country nationals.
The legislation introduces screening procedures for third-country nationals at the EU’s external borders, broader use of biometric data and enhanced information exchange with EU databases. It also clarifies the procedures for issuing visas and residence permits and expands the grounds for refusing or revoking documents in cases involving threats to public order or security. Before entering the country, foreign nationals will be required to provide information about the purpose of their visit and the conditions of their stay.
The law also establishes a system of integration requirements, including an early integration programme and Latvian-language proficiency requirements. It strengthens oversight of the employment and education of foreign nationals and increases the responsibilities of employers and educational institutions.