The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the amendments to the migration legislation of Latvia discriminatory

The adopted amendments to the Latvian migration legislation are discriminatory and violate fundamental international legal norms, reported Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

“The amendments to the Latvian migration legislation adopted in September are undoubtedly discriminatory in nature, grossly violating fundamental international legal norms, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the European Convention on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and others,” Zakharova said.

The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stressed that all cases of discrimination against Russians and representatives of the Russian diaspora in Latvia are recorded. The ministry also helps the voluntary return of Russians to their homeland. Such migrants receive a variety of support, including one-time benefits, assistance with employment and temporary housing, the right to duty-free import of vehicles, and more.

In September 2022, the Latvian Seimas approved amendments according to which the period of permanent residence permits issued to Russians expires on September 1, 2023. In order to stay in Latvia, it is necessary, among other things, to confirm knowledge of the state language at level A2. In August 2023, the Russians were given the opportunity get a temporary residence permit for two years in order to prepare and pass the Latvian language proficiency exam. On September 4, it was reported that the Latvian language exam did not pass on the first try 61% of Russian citizens.