Taking into account the continuing risks of illegal migration pressure on the Latvian-Belarussian border and Belarus’ support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers today, 2 November 2022, supported the extension of the state of emergency until 10 February 2023 on the Latvian-Belarusian border in the regions of Ludza, Krāslava, Augšdaugava and the city of Daugavpils.
Since 10 August 2021, a total of 7,562 people have been deterred from crossing the border illegally. However, since 1 August 2022, the number of persons apprehended and deterred at the Latvian-Belarusian border has significantly increased, i.e. 301 persons were deterred from crossing the state border illegally in August, 299 persons in September and 173 persons in October. Information on attempts of illegal crossing of the state border from the Belarusian side continues to be received from the competent authorities of Lithuania and Poland. Thus, the surveillance of the Latvian-Belarusian border should continue to be intensified, including by maintaining the emergency situation regime established in the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 518 of 10 August 2021 “Regarding Declaration of the Emergency Situation”.
Latvia has made a significant contribution to strengthening the external borders of Latvia and the European Union, improving surveillance and protection against irregular and illegal flows of migrants. Currently, 59.7 km of temporary fencing and 15 km of permanent fencing have been built on the Latvian-Belarusian border. On the border with the Russian Federation, a 230 km border strip has been built, including 95.2 km of permanent fencing and four suspension bridges.
It is essential to ensure a coordinated transnational response to illegal border crossings in order to ensure equivalent border surveillance for all countries in the region that share a border with Belarus.
Prepared by:
Ministry of the Interior
Communication Department
E-mail: kn@iem.gov.lv