The Government of Latvia decided to renew the terms of restrictions on the entry of Russian citizens until the spring of 2025, taking into account the security threat from the Russian Federation.
Latvia has restricted the entry of Russian citizens into the country
The current limitation period expires at the beginning of March. The government's decision of February 27 provides for extending the restrictions until March 4, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia told LETA.
The Delfi reported this info on Feb.27.
In connection with Russia's full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, the number of Russian citizens wishing to enter the European Union through the land border has increased sharply, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports.
The restriction was introduced in Latvia on September 9, 2022. According to the decree of the country's government, the issuing of visas to citizens of Russia is also limited. In total, from the time of adoption of the order in 2022 until December 31, 2023, Latvian diplomatic and consular missions abroad issued 1,956 visas to citizens of Russia.
Applications for obtaining visas are accepted only in exceptional cases — from family members of Latvian citizens and EU citizens and from citizens of the Russian Federation who have received the right to reside in Latvia based on the law on repatriation and the law on immigration. Or in cases of humanitarian circumstances — for example, a severe illness of a close relative or a funeral, in case of a threat to the safety of a person or an invitation to participate in a court session based on a decision of a Latvian court, explained the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Currently, other EU member states, such as Finland and the Czech Republic, have also adopted regulations restricting the entry of Russian citizens.
In January 2024, Latvia began the process of deporting 985 citizens of the Russian Federation who did not meet the requirements stipulated by the country's immigration legislation.
Latvia's decision regarding agricultural products from Russia and Belarus
The Latvian MPs adopted amendments to the Law on Agriculture and Development of Rural Territories, which prohibit the import of agricultural products and animal feed from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus for consumption in Latvia.
According to the amendments, such products originating from Russia or Belarus should not be imported from third countries.
The import ban applies to agricultural products and animal feed that remain in Latvia, not those transported elsewhere in the EU.
Committing international crimes with impunity and profiting from them is contrary to society's morals, ethical norms and our value system. Consuming products of Russian origin, thus directly or indirectly supporting a criminal regime, is incompatible with the morality of society, — said Jānis Reirs, head of the Sejm Committee on Budget and Finance.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture of Latvia, in the first ten months of 2023, importing agricultural products and animal feed from Russia to Latvia amounted to 280 million euros.
Four main product groups: animal feed, grain, peas and rapeseed oil account for 90% of agricultural products imported to Latvia from Russia.
