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.

• Residence permits in Latvia become more popular among citizens of China
• Administrative Regional Court refused a claim of Vladimirs Lindermans in his case against the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
• Neatkariga: Ministers of the nationalists’ union will not take part in the processions on 16 March

An opportunity to receive a residence permit in Latvia in exchange for investments becomes more popular among citizens of the People’s Republic of China and nationals of other countries. Up to now, 155 citizens of China received residence permits in Latvia. Since the adoption of the relevant legal provisions, in total, residence permits were issued to more than 4,500 foreigners, who invested about LVL 300 millions in Latvia. Vesti Segodnya

The Administrative Regional Court refused a claim of Vladimirs Lindermans in his case against the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA.) The case began in 2010, when Mr Lindermans applied for naturalisation but the OCMA refused the application arguing that he has no right to apply for Latvian citizenship because he did not reside in Latvia during the last five years continuously. Mr Lindermans, in his turn, argued that the legal acts say that the applicant for naturalisation should reside in Latvia at least five years but the word continuously is not mentioned. Initially, Mr Lindermans appealed the OCMA’s decision in the Administrative District Court of Riga which satisfied the claim and ordered the OCMA to accept Lindermans’ application. However, the OCMA appealed the decision. Latvijas Avize

According to Neatkariga, the Ministers representing the nationalists’ union All for Latvia!-FF/LNIM will not take part in the processions on 16 March (unofficial commemoration day of Latvian Waffen SS legionnaires) due to other scheduled events. The President of Latvia Andris Berzins also will be on a foreign visit on this day. However, the majority of the MPs from the nationalists’ union are planning to take part in the procession. The Security Police expects the 16 March events will pass safely this year.