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.

• Telegraf prints an interview with the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane
• Diena prints an article on integration of Russian speaking residents of Latvia
• Number of applications for Latvian citizenship increased due to growing unemployment
• Interest of Latvian employers in attracting guest workers has noticeably decreased

Telegraf prints an interview with the Head of the Naturalisation Board Eizenija Aldermane. According to Mrs. Aldermane, many Latvian citizens who move abroad and receive citizenship of other countries are forced to relinquish Latvian citizenship. Mrs. Aldermane believes that every citizen is very important for Latvia and, therefore, the Citizenship Law should stipulate possibilities for double citizenship. Mrs. Aldermane considers that too many amendments were already made to the effective Citizenship Law; therefore, a new Law should be elaborated.

Diena prints an article on integration of Russian speaking residents of Latvia. Experts interviewed by the newspaper believe that because of unsuccessful integration policy, loyalty towards Latvian state among Russian speaking part of society has not increased and these people are increasingly identifying themselves with Russia. According to the article, events of 13 January in Riga (mass anti-governmental demonstration and clashes) showed that, perhaps, for first time in many years, economic and social problems united Latvian and Russian speakers.

According to

According to Diena, number of applications for Latvian citizenship has increased during last weeks. According to the newspaper, growing unemployment in Latvia could be the reason for the increase, as non-citizens are willing to receive the EU passport in order to widen their employment opportunities.

NRA reports that interest of Latvian employers in attracting guest workers has noticeably decreased. In 2008, the State Employment Agency has approved 230 fewer working permits than in 2007. In total, 2913 working permits were approved for foreigners from non-EU countries (mostly from Ukraine and Moldova) in 2008.