Currently, the situation on the Latvian-Russian border is peaceful and stable. The State Border Guard has stepped up controls, including careful checking of all persons. The number of border crossings continues to decline. Since 19 September, 23 Russian citizens have been refused to cross the border.
Mobilization in Russia as such is not the basis for granting asylum in Latvia. So far, two persons have requested asylum because of the mobilization. Each case shall be assessed individually, including an assessment of national security risks. Asylum en masse has never been granted in Latvia and it will not happen,” said Interior Minister Kristaps Eklons.
Border guards are stepping up patrols to prevent the border from being crossed by Russian citizens trying to avoid mobilization.
No Russian citizen crosses the Latvian border as a tourist. The range of persons who may cross the EU external border as an exception is determined in accordance with an agreement reached by the foreign ministers of the countries of the region and a decision taken by the Latvian Government.
From 19 to 23 September (inclusive), the Latvian-Russian border was crossed by the following persons in accordance with the exceptions established by the Government:
- 27% of them had “C” visas issued to
- family members of Latvian nationals (spouses, parents, children, dependants; family members of EU, European Economic Area country or Swiss Confederation nationals);
- freight and passenger transport workers, cargo or technical crew arriving in or departing from Latvia in the course of their duties;
- seafarers who have to reach their place of work on board a vessel or have to return from it;
- persons whose entry is related to humanitarian considerations.
- 7% had “D” visas issued to
- family members (spouses, parents, children, dependants; family members of EU, European Economic Area country or Swiss Confederation nationals);
- freight and passenger transport workers, cargo or technical crew arriving in or departing from Latvia in the course of their duties;.
- 53% had residence permits issued to
- family members of Latvian nationals (spouses, parents, children, dependants; family members of EU, European Economic Area or Swiss Confederation nationals, etc.).
- 13% were seafarers with the ship entering a port of Latvia, but who cannot leave the ship.
Additional information:
Zane Plone
Minister of the Interior
Advisor to the Minister on Communication Issues
Telephone: 28627003
E-mail address: zane.plone@iem.gov.lv