Belarusians to pass additional checks at Latvia border

August 31, BPN. Belarusian and Russian nationals entering Latvia will be subjected to additional checks at the border, Delfi reports.

The country’s government amended relating documents yesterday.

The Latvian State Security Service in cooperation with the Constitution Protection Bureau at least three times a year reviews the countries list and informs the interior ministry head of amendments required to assess threats posed by foreigners to national security or public order and safety.

On August 23, Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs told a government meeting that the rules of stay for Russian nationals will be stricter than for Belarusians, since the former pose higher security risks.

Previously, the Latvian Ministry of the Interior prepared amendments to migration law, according to which Russians’ and Belarusians’ temporary residence permits would not be extended until June 30, 2023.

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