On Thursday, 11 June, the Saeima adopted the new Immigration Law in the third reading. The existing immigration framework has been substantially revised to strengthen national security, ensure more effective migration control, and comply with the requirements of European Union legislation.
The aim of the new Immigration Law is to establish a clear, transparent, and efficient immigration system, covering the entry, residence, employment, integration, and return procedures of third-country nationals, as well as reducing the risks of immigration fraud and illegal employment.
“The new Immigration Law streamlines the immigration system as a whole and reinforces national security. In developing this framework, for the first time the impact of immigration policy has been assessed comprehensively not only from a security perspective but also from the perspectives of the economy, education, and other sectors. The law takes into account the findings of the parliamentary inquiry commission on improving migration processes and mitigating risks, and it revises the conditions for issuing temporary residence permits. At the same time, its practical implementation will be of key importance, including strengthening the capacity of the institutions responsible for monitoring and controlling immigration processes,” noted the Chair of the Saeima Defence, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee Raimonds Bergmanis.
The new regulation reduces the risks of immigration fraud while ensuring clear and comprehensible rules for both foreigners and public authorities, introducing a balanced policy that protects Latvia’s interests and complies with European Union requirements.
The law provides for a significant strengthening of state border control, introducing the screening of third-country nationals at the external borders and a return border procedure in line with the new European Union migration framework. It also establishes broader use of biometric data and enhanced data exchange with European Union databases, which will improve personal identification and help prevent security risks more effectively.
The law also clarifies the procedures for granting visas and residence permits by introducing clearer deadlines and procedures, as well as expanding the grounds for refusal and revocation in cases where a threat to public order or security is identified. It also provides for stricter pre-entry control by imposing an obligation to provide information on the purpose of entry and the conditions of stay.
The law further enshrines a system of integration requirements, including those set out in the early integration programme and knowledge of the official language. In addition, supervision of the employment and studies of third-country nationals has been strengthened to reduce the risks of sham employment and studies, and the liability of employers and educational institutions has been increased.
The most significant provisions of the law will enter into force on 1 January 2027.
Saeima Press Service