Latvia’s recent move to tighten residency rules for Russian citizens has prompted a strong reaction from Moscow.
In this regard, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, announced that Russia will take retaliatory measures after Latvia’s new policies.
She stressed that Moscow plans to adopt “tough measures, including those of an asymmetric nature” when it comes to issuing residence permits to Latvians, VisaGuide.World reports.
The Latvian government has implemented stricter requirements for Russian nationals seeking to extend their residence permits, including a mandate to pass a Latvian language test. According to RIA News, Zakharova criticized these measures as “arbitrary” and inconsistent with international human rights agreements.
Latvia’s Exit Orders for Russians Heighten International Tensions
Latvia’s tightened immigration policies and the subsequent response from Russia highlight the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding immigration and international relations between the two nations.
At the beginning of this year, Latvia began sending letters to Russians to meet residency requirements. Under these rules, any Russian national who does not apply for a residence permit and is found at their last declared address will receive a mandatory departure order, requiring them to leave the country immediately.
In addition, in March of this year, Latvia’s Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) started issuing exit orders to Russian citizens who failed to initiate the process for obtaining residence permits. As a result, they managed to depart the initial group of six Russian citizens.
The PMLP further reported that a total of 1,017 Russian citizens have not complied with Latvia’s new legal requirements by failing to submit necessary documents. Of these, 213 have chosen to leave Latvia through other EU member states.
In March 2024, around 100 Russian citizens have also exited both Latvia and the Schengen Area. Additionally, the PMLP announced that nine more Russian citizens who did not meet the residency requirements or apply for permits have been ordered to leave.
Moreover, 60 new departure orders were issued in July alone, adding to the growing number of departures. Approximately 2,000 Russian nationals have voluntarily left Latvia under the new regulations.
Latvia Passes Law to Seize Russian-Plated Vehicle
In addition to tightening residency permit rules for Russians, Latvia has also taken measures related to Russian-registered cars.
On February 15, Latvia passed a new law that allows authorities to confiscate vehicles with Russian license plates. The move is part of a broader effort to enforce stricter rules on Russian citizens residing in Latvia. The legislation follows warnings issued last year to owners of vehicles with Russian number plates.