New rules for obtaining a residence permit have come into force in Latvia. Now, in order to obtain the status of a permanent resident of the EU, you need to pass a test in the state language and confirm solvency, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of this Baltic country said.
As a result, thousands of Russians were under the threat of expulsion.
Latvijas Reitingi writes that by August 20, only 12,312 Russian citizens had applied for EU permanent resident status, and only 2,570 received it. Several thousand people failed to pass the state language exam and signed up for a retake.
In total, according to the calculations of the Latvian authorities, more than 25,000 people subject to the law that came into force had to apply by September 1 to obtain the status of a permanent resident of the European Union. At the same time, it is specified that about 4-5 thousand people will receive orders to leave the country by December 2. Individuals who did not apply for EU permanent resident status could apply for a temporary residence permit, but it limits the receipt of a number of social benefits and part of the free medical care package.
According to the Minister of the Interior of Latvia, Maris Kuchinsky, if a Russian has not taken any action at all and refused to follow the law, they will not hunt him, but he will no longer be able to open a bank account, receive a pension or free medical services, or work in companies operating in Latvia.
Source: Rosbalt
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