• Latvia begins the procedure on accommodation of asylum seekers
• 9 public assistants of the State Language Centre begin their work

The Latvian Ministry of Interior in cooperation with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs has informed Italy and Greece about Latvia’s readiness to begin the procedure on accommodation of asylum seekers. It is planned that first 10 asylum seekers will arrive to Latvia in January. As reported, Latvia agreed to accept 531 asylum seekers during next two years. Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Neatkariga

The State Language Centre announced that nine public assistants begin their work today. The public assistants will work in Riga, Valka, Liepaja, Jekabpils and two other regions. It is planned that the assistants on a voluntary basis will evaluate the usage of the state language in provision of public information and provide consultations on how to correct it; identify situation with usage of state language in their regions and report the SLC identified problems; and provide consultations connected to the usage of state language. News agency LETA

• The ex-Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma stated that Latvia and Europe should review its immigration policy

The ex-Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma stated that Latvia and Europe should review its immigration policy due to the problems created by immigrants from Arabic and African countries. According to Mrs Straujuma, almost half of the immigrants from these countries are not war refugees, but economic immigrants. Mrs Straujuma also said that European Commission and some EU member states, which initially were positive towards the acceptance of refugees, are responsible for such situation. News agency LETA

• Introductory course about life in Latvia for asylum seekers

Latvijas Avize reports about introductory course about life in Latvia for asylum seekers implemented by an NGO “Shelter. Safe House” and funded by the Ministry of Culture. The course gives asylum seekers basic information about Latvia – its history, culture, traditions, leisure activities, and practical information about different services. The first workshop was attended by 40 adults and 15 children.  According to the Ministry of Culture, this course is a pilot project for further development of similar courses. 

• Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma resigned
• President Raimonds Vejonis calls to make an audit of the integration policy in Latvia

The Latvian Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma announced the government’s resignation following a meeting with the President Raimonds Vejonis, on Monday. Mrs Straujuma in her statement argued that there is a need for new ideas and energy to continue further efforts on the basis of what already has been accomplished. The new candidate for the post of the Prime Minister is unknown yet, however, Mrs Straujuma said that she would like to see the Minister of Interior Rihards Kozlovskis as the next head of the government. Diena, Latvijas Avize, Vesti Segodnya, Neatkariga

The President Raimonds Vejonis called the Advisory Council on National Minorities to make an audit of the integration policy in Latvia. Following the call, members of the Council agreed to establish a group of minority experts who would evaluate the achievements accomplished and the improvements needed. The President also said that the Council’s further priorities should include promotion of more active dialogue between the policy makers and national minorities; promotion of discussions on education quality; and involvement of wider society in preparations for the 100^th anniversary of Latvia’s independence. News agency LETA

• Riga City Council plans to establish the Refugee Coordination Centre
• Donation account for urgent needs of asylum seekers is opened

The Riga City Council is planning to grant funding for the establishment of the Refugee Coordination Centre. The task of the Centre will be interinstitutional coordination of issues concerning accommodation of refugees in Riga. It is planned that the Centre will begin its work in 2016. News agency LETA

Voluntary activists helping asylum seekers in cooperation with an NGO Kanepes Culture Centre opened a donation account for urgent needs of asylum seekers. According to the coordinator of volunteers, the donations will help to respond to the urgent needs in centralized and more effective way. News agency BNS