• 15,957 foreigners have Latvian temporary residence permits 

NRA reports that 15,957 foreigners have Latvian temporary residence permits. 5,546 foreigners received temporary residence permits on the ground of employment, 4,717 - on the ground of family ties,  1,972 - foreign students. The newspaper also highlights that while the nationalist politicians are calling to revoke the provision of residence permits to foreing investors, the number of such permits is actually small comparing to the overall numer - 1,911 investors and their family members.

 

• National Census: the majority of Latvian residents or 62% speaks Latvian language at home

According to the results of the National Census conducted in 2011, the majority of Latvian residents or 62% speaks Latvian language at home. 37,2% of population speak Russian at home. Only 0,7 % of Latvian residents speak at home in other languages such as Ukrainian, Belorussian, Polish etc. The biggest number of Latvian speaking residents is in Vidzeme region – 91,2%. In Kurzeme region, it is 79,7%, in Zemgale region 76%, and in Riga – 73,5%. 8,8% of Latvian residents also use Latgalian language in every day life. 95% of Latvian residents in the age 25 – 64 speak at least one foreign language. Telegraf

• New Citizenship Law enters into force
• Conference Participation of Minority Consultative Mechanisms in Decision Making organised in Riga

Diena reports, as of 1 October, the new Citizenship Law enters into force. Following the new legal provisions, about 23,000 persons might apply for dual citizenship with Latvia. According to political scientists interviewed by the newspapers, despite the possible increase of the number of citizens in the future, the number of potential electors at the up-coming parliamentary elections most likely will not change significantly.

On 26-27 September, the Latvian Centre for Human Rights (LCHR) organised a conference Participation of Minority Consultative Mechanisms in Decision Making. The aim of the conference was to analyse the successes, problems and challenges of society integration and minority consultative mechanisms (councils, commissions) established at the state and municipal level in Latvia. Representatives from Estonia and Sweden (Municipality of Sodertalje) also shared their respective experiences. In the framework of the conference, the LCHR presented itsalternative or “shadow report” on the Implementation of the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia. The conference was organised within the framework of the project "Strengthening Integration Dialogue Platforms."

More about the conference: http://cilvektiesibas.org.lv/en/news/sonference-participation-of-minority-consultative--256/

Link to the alternative report: http://cilvektiesibas.org.lv/en/publications/second-alternative-report-on-the-implementation-of-258/

 

• Egils Levits presented to the Saeima’s Legal Committee the draft Preamble to the Constitution of Latvia

On 27 September, the head of the President’s Commission on Constitutional Law Egils Levits presented to the Saeima’s Legal Committee the draft Preamble to the Constitution of Latvia. According to the newspapers, the draft Preamble has three aims - to ensure existence of ethnic Latvian nation through the ages, preservation of Latvian language and culture; and welfare of all nation and individuals. Democracy, justice, and social responsibility are mentioned as the milestones of functioning of national state. It is explained, that the Preamble is necessary in order to prevent all disputes in the society about the conditions of the establishment of the state and its general principals. Diena, Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga

• Cabinet of Ministers prepared the package of regulations accompanying the new Citizenship Law
• Parliament of Unrepresented wants to meet with the Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis

Vesti Segodnya reports that the Cabinet of Ministers prepared the package of regulations for the new Citizenship Law which will become effective on 1 October. According to the newspaper, henceforth, the list of the institutions which approve applicant’s right for naturalisation, in addition to the special merits, there are the State Revenue Service and various ministries. An applicant for citizenship has to have the legal source of income and no debts before the state. The applicants will have to pass the tests on state language proficiency, fundamentals of the Constitution, Latvian history and culture, and state anthem. Simplified naturalisation procedure is developed for specific groups of disabled persons and persons in the age over 65.

Latvijas Avize reports that the Parliament of Unrepresented wants to meet with the Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis in order to discuss with him possible solution of problem of non-citizenship and co-operation in establishment of united society. The Parliament of Unrepresented also regularly informs the Prime Minister about its activities.