Integration monitor
Integration monitor is a daily Latvian press digest on ethnic minority and society integration issues. The Monitor reviews the biggest Latvian dailies: Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga (in Latvian language), Vesti Segodnya (in Russian language). In specific cases other information sources are used. Latvian Centre for Human Rights is not responsible for information published by the media.
Jan. 21, 2008
- 3,113 foreigners have received official work permits in Latvia in 2007
- Ombudsman Romans Apsitis: state has to evaluate whether Latvian non-citizens could be guaranteed the same rights as European permanent residents
According to the State Employment Agency, 3,113 foreigners have received official work permits in Latvia in 2007. The majority of guest workers are from Ukraine (961), Moldova (847) and Uzbekistan (343). Vesti Segodnya, Chas
Chas reports that the Ombudsman Romans Apsitis has replied to a letter of the Saeimas faction for Human Rights in United Latvia (FHRUL) on differences in rights of citizens and non-citizens of Latvia. As reported, the FHRUL has sent to the Ombudsman the list of differences in rights of citizens and non-citizens which describes 80 existing and 51 already cancelled differences in rights between citizens and non-citizens as well as cases when not only Latvian citizens but also citizens of other EU countries in Latvia have advantages over Latvian non-citizens The Ombudsman has stated that the state has to evaluate whether Latvian non-citizens could be guaranteed the same rights as European permanent residents considering that non-citizen are long-term residents of Latvia. The Ombudsman will continue to evaluate individually every case of differences in rights. Chas also reports that recently, members of the FHRUL have sent a letter to the Minister of Justice Gaidis Berzins asking to explain the reasons for fall of naturalisation rate and to propose measures to increase the rate again.