The Latvian government is preparing to significantly tighten rules for immigrants coming from countries outside the European Union (EU). The new action plan, announced by Minister of the Interior Janis Dombrava and consisting of a 100-point recommendation package, includes comprehensive restrictions ranging from the entry and employment of third-country nationals to university quotas and workplace inspections.
QUOTAS ON ENTRIES, LIMITATIONS ON PROFESSIONAL FIELDS
Within the scope of the drafted measures, the implementation of strict entry quotas for foreigners coming to Latvia from non-EU countries is envisioned. While it is planned to narrow the professional fields in which immigrants can operate in the country, it was reported that legal inspections and administrative sanctions on businesses employing foreign workers will also be increased significantly.
50 PERCENT CAP ON THE NUMBER OF FOREIGN STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITIES
The most striking article of the package in the field of education is the limitation brought to higher education institutions. With the new regulation, the proportion of foreign students studying at universities in Latvia will be completely prevented from exceeding 50 percent of the total student population at that institution. With this step, it is aimed to prevent some universities from turning international student admissions into an uncontrolled migration channel.
The 100-point recommendation package, prepared under the coordination of the Ministry of the Interior, is expected to be brought to the agenda of the government and parliament in the coming days to initiate the legislative process.
News Source: 12punto
