The publication recalls that after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Latvia tightened immigration laws, and about 30 thousand Russians living in the country had until June 30, 2025 to apply for permanent resident status in the European Union, demonstrate knowledge of the Latvian language at level A2, and also undergo security and background checks.
The majority of Russian citizens complied with these requirements, and about 2,600 people voluntarily left Latvia, Politico writes.
841 Russians did not provide the necessary documents on time.
Puke explained that after October 13, the stay of such Russians in Latvia will be considered illegal, and their access to social services will be closed. If the Russians stay, they will face deportation, she emphasized.
Politico points out that some Russians living in Latvia may learn about a change in their status after they stop receiving pensions.
Context
In April 2024, the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers amended the national standard of basic education; they provide for a gradual abandonment of the study of Russian as a second foreign language in schools.
