Belarusians to face lighter legalization than Russians – Latvian foreign minister

August 23, BPN. Amendments to Latvia’s migration legislation suggest that it would be easier to legalize Belarusians than Russians, follows from Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs’ remarks at the August 23 meeting of the government.

According to the top diplomat, the simplified legalization conditions will primarily affect highly qualified workers from Belarus, Delfi reported.

At the meeting, Daugavpils mayor Andrejs Elksniņš quoted a survey of businesspeople, according to which they were concerned about the amendments’ impact on the workforce. In particular, he said companies needed to attract workers from Belarus.

Rinkēvičs replied by saying that the rules of stay for Russian nationals will be stricter than for Belarusians, since the former pose higher security risks.

Interior Minister Kristaps Eklons said highly skilled workers will be assessed separately. Those who meet the requirement will have their visas extended, he added.

There are reports that the Latvian Ministry of the Interior has prepared amendments to migration law, according to which Russian and Belarusian nationals’ temporary residence permits would not be extended until June 30, 2023. The bill is expected to be considered next week.

At the same time, according to the ministry, the changes will not limit the opportunity for members of the Belarusian opposition to receive visas or temporary residence permits on humanitarian grounds.