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.

• MPs discussed situation of immigrants living in Latvia
• Minister of Culture taken new advisor on integration and media policy issues

Vesti Segodnya reports about a session of the Saeima’s Citizenship, Migration and Society Consolidation Committee. The invited representative of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs informed the MPs that there are 77,896 foreigners residing in Latvia. 27,966 foreigners have temporary residents permits and 49,930 – permanent permits. 75% of foreign citizens with permanent residence permits are former Latvian non-citizens who accepted Russia’s citizenship. The main groups of immigrants who arrive to Latvia are persons who come with an aim of family reunion, labour migrants, foreign investors and merchants, and students.

Latvijas Avize reports about a new freelance advisor of the Minister of Culture on integration and media policy issues Martins Kaprans. Mr Kaprans has already worked as advisor on integration issues with the former Minister of Culture Sarmite Elerte in 2011 and was one of the authors of the National Identity, Civil Society and Integration Policy Guidelines for 2012-2018. Martins Kaprans believes that the most important tasks in the integration field to do is granting financial support to the NGOs; strengthening Latvian language positions especially in terms of its usage; and promoting activities and projects aimed at strengthening of common comprehension about the key points in Latvian history. Mr Kaprans also believes that strengthening Russian language programmes broadcasted by Latvia’s public TV channels is one of the tools to counter Russia’s propaganda.