12.10.2025 00:32
The Baltic country of Latvia has instructed 841 Russian citizens who could not prove their proficiency in the Latvian language and did not pass mandatory security checks to leave the country by October 13.
A new move has come from Latvia that will provoke Russia and increase tensions in the Baltic region.
DEPORTATION OF OVER 800 RUSSIAN CITIZENS
The Riga government has decided to deport Russian citizens who do not comply with the new immigration rules. The government has asked 841 Russian citizens who did not submit the necessary documents on time to leave the country by October 13.
THEY DID NOT SUBMIT THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS
The new immigration regulation stated that Russian citizens must apply for a long-term residence permit in the European Union (EU), prove their knowledge of Latvian at A2 level, and pass security checks by June 30, 2025.
Approximately 30,000 Russian citizens were affected by the new regulation. While most complied with these requirements, 841 Russians did not submit the necessary documents. Additionally, about 2,600 people voluntarily left Latvia.
HARSH MEASURES AGAINST MOSCOW FROM LATVIA
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze called on EU countries in May to stop issuing visas to Russian citizens.
The Latvian parliament also passed a law in June prohibiting Russian and Belarusian citizens from working in the country's critical infrastructure and purchasing real estate.
After Russia launched its war against Ukraine, the Latvian government changed its immigration law in 2024, making it more difficult for Russian citizens who wish to stay in the country.