In order to reduce the risks of illegal immigration and threats to internal security, as well as to prevent the activities of planners, organizers and executors of illegal immigration on the Latvian – Belarusian border, the State Border Guard (SBG) in cooperation with the State Police (SP) and the National Armed Forces (NAF) continues to work in an enhanced border surveillance mode. Since 1 January 2024, 2272 illegal attempts to cross the Latvian – Belarusian border have been prevented.
It has already been reported that on 12 March the Cabinet of Ministers (CoM) re-announced the reinforced regime for the border security system for six months from 13 March to 12 September this year. Under the regime, the SP and the NAF have been instructed to provide the necessary support to the SBG in ensuring border surveillance to prevent illegal crossing of the State border.
Today, on 11 June, the CoM decided on the reallocation of budget funds in the amount of EUR 626 841 in order to cover the expenses of the subordinate institutions of the Ministry of the Interior related to the increased border surveillance of the Latvian – Belarusian border, taking into account the actual situation on the Latvian – Belarusian border and the increased work intensity of the State Border Guard and border guards.
Border control is an essential State function within the European Union (EU), which serves not only to protect the external borders of the Member States, but also of the EU as a whole. In addition, only lawful entry into the country or crossing the State border at the places and in the manner prescribed for that purpose is to be considered admissible. It is also very important that Latvia and the EU act in a united and coordinated manner to overcome the challenges posed by hybrid attacks or the instrumentalization of migration by hostile regimes at our borders. Latvia, together with other countries in the region, including the Baltic States, Poland and Finland, continues to protect its common external border with the EU.
In the context of these measures, the SP and SBG employees worked with persons who attempted to cross the State border illegally and were subsequently detained in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Immigration Law, or who have expressed a wish to be granted refugee or alternative status in Latvia. Accommodation for persons is also provided. As a result of these measures, the workload of employees in the internal affairs sector has increased.
The enhanced border surveillance regime is in place in Ludza Municipality, Krāslava Municipality, Augšdaugava Municipality, Kaunata Municipality in Rezekne Municipality and Daugavpils. The CoM order was issued to ensure the inviolability of the state border and to prevent threats to the State, taking into account the number and increasing trend of attempts to illegally cross the Latvian – Belarusian state border. The previous reinforced border surveillance regime was announced for the period from 11 August 2023 to 10 February 2024.
Prepared by:
Communication Department