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.

• Cabinet of Ministers approved state language examination procedure for foreigners applying for permanent residence and working permits in Latvia
• Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Oskars Kastens: integration policy will not be reviewed
• Telegraf prints an article about the Belorussian community of Latvia
• Days of the Rumanian culture in Latvia

Yesterday, the Cabinet of Ministers approved state language examination procedure for foreigners who are applying for permanent residence and working permits in Latvia. As reported, applicants for permanent residence permit should demonstrate Latvian language proficiency skills which correspond at least the lowest language proficiency level set by Latvian legal norms. The Cabinet of Ministers noted that those foreigners who have taken centralized Latvian language exam or have graduated  from university which main language of instruction is Latvian or have learned Latvian in their country and are able to confirm it with respective certificate, do not have to take the language proficiency test.

Yesterday, the Cabinet of Ministers approved state language examination procedure for foreigners who are applying for permanent residence and working permits in Latvia. As reported, applicants for permanent residence permit should demonstrate Latvian language proficiency skills which correspond at least the lowest language proficiency level set by Latvian legal norms. The Cabinet of Ministers noted that those foreigners who have taken centralized Latvian language exam or have graduated from university which main language of instruction is Latvian or have learned Latvian in their country and are able to confirm it with respective certificate, do not have to take the language proficiency test. Vesti Segodnya

The Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Oskars Kastens in an interview with

The Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration Oskars Kastens in an interview with Telegraf has stated that despite the proposals of the political party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM to halt naturalisation, no changes will be introduced in Latvias integration policy and work of the Integration Secretariat.

Telegraf prints an article about the Belorussian community of Latvia. According to the newspaper there are 90,000 Belorussians in Latvia. The newspaper notes that Belorussians have several NGOs and a school. The Union of Belorussians in Latvia was established in 2003.

Today, the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration (IUMSILS in its Latvian acronym) in the framework of the Days of the Rumanian culture opens an exhibition on the Rumanian culture.

Today, the Secretariat of the Special Assignments Minister for Social Integration (IUMSILS in its Latvian acronym) in the framework of the Days of the Rumanian culture opens an exhibition on the Rumanian culture. Latvijas Vestnesis