A vote on June 11 introduces tougher checks at borders and new integration obligations, sparking debate over security and migrant rights.

The Latvian Saeima has adopted a new Immigration Law that tightens migration control, expands oversight of third-country nationals, and introduces new requirements for their integration.

According to official data from the parliament, the law was adopted on Thursday, June 11, with 65 votes in favor and 17 against from the 14th Saeima.

“Stricter migration control, expanded oversight of third-country nationals, and new requirements for their integration: the Saeima, in its final reading, adopted the new Immigration Law, which differs significantly from the current version”

– LSM

The bill was drafted during the previous session with the aim of strengthening national security, reducing the risks of fraudulent immigration and illegal employment, and aligning Latvia’s legislation with EU migration requirements.

The regulator aims to establish a new immigration system that covers entry of third-country nationals, their residence, employment, integration, and expulsion procedures, as well as reducing the risks of fraudulent immigration and illegal employment.

The document takes into account the findings of the Parliamentary Investigative Committee on improving migration processes and revises the conditions for issuing temporary residence permits.

The deputies in the Saeima emphasized that the new regulation will reduce the risk of fraudulent immigration while establishing clear rules for foreign nationals and state institutions.

The law provides for a substantial strengthening of border control through the introduction of screening of third-country nationals at external borders and the application of return procedures in accordance with the EU’s new migration regulation. It also envisions broader use of biometric data and greater information-sharing with EU databases to improve identification and prevent threats.

The document clarifies the process for issuing visas and residence permits, introducing clearer timelines and procedures, and expanding grounds for denial and revocation of documents in cases of threats to public order or safety.

There is also a plan to strengthen pre-entry controls: an obligation to provide information about the purpose of entry and the conditions of stay.

Integration Provisions and Employer Oversight

The document enshrines a system of integration requirements, including early integration programs and knowledge of the state language. In addition, it tightens oversight of employment and training of third-country nationals to reduce the risks of fraudulent employment and fraudulent training; it increases the accountability of employers and educational institutions.

In the context of the EU’s 2024 migration policy, it is noted that on April 10 the European Parliament adopted a package of legislative initiatives on solidarity among member states in the distribution of refugees.

The new Latvian law places Latvia at new challenges in balancing security with effective migrant integration, with an emphasis on transparent rules for all participants and greater accountability for meeting the requirements.