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.

• Saeima in the second reading supported draft amendments to the Immigration Law
• Academic linguists: Latgalian language should be grated status of regional language
• Diena prints an article about possible implementation of new school reform which would stipulate that the only language of instructions in all schools in Latvia is Latvian language

Yesterday, the Saeima in the second reading supported draft amendments to the Immigration Law stipulating temporary residence permits for foreign investors. According to the draft amendments, temporary residency permit for up to five years can be granted to persons who invested at least LVL 25,000 into the fixed capital on an enterprise or created at least five vacancies, as well as to persons who bought real estate in Latvia for at least LVL 100,000, and those who invested in Latvian credit institutions at least LVL 200,000.

Yesterday, the Saeima in the second reading supported draft amendments to the Immigration Law stipulating temporary residence permits for foreign investors. According to the draft amendments, temporary residency permit for up to five years can be granted to persons who invested at least LVL 25,000 into the fixed capital on an enterprise or created at least five vacancies, as well as to persons who bought real estate in Latvia for at least LVL 100,000, and those who invested in Latvian credit institutions at least LVL 200,000. Latvijas Avize

Academic linguists of the University of Latvia and Rezekne Higher Education Institution in an interview with

Academic linguists of the University of Latvia and Rezekne Higher Education Institution in an interview with Latvijas Avize state that Latgalian language should be granted status of regional language which would allow usage of both languages equally in Latgale region. Academicians believe that strengthening of Latgalian language at official level would help to preserve Latgalian identity and culture and to overcome stigmatisation. The newspaper also publishes opinion of another linguist Dzintra Hirsa who does not support granting the status of regional language to Latgalian, as she believes legislation already provides sufficient recognition and instead of status, the language should be given greater support by developing special Latgalian programme.

Diena prints an article about possible implementation of new school reform which would stipulate that the only language of instructions in all schools in Latvia is Latvian language. As reported, such proposal is raised by the political party For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM. Various experts interviewed by the newspaper differently evaluate such option. Thus, some believe that implementation of such reform is possible but will be very expensive because it demands for additional Latvian language classes in schools with Russian language of instructions and training of teachers. Experts on bilingual education believe that bilingual model of education is successful in Latvian school and should not be changed, while only its quality should be improved.