Photo: dw.com
Latvia Expels 841 Russian Nationals Amid Language and Security Compliance Issues
Latvia has expelled 841 Russian nationals for failing to meet new language and security requirements, highlighting ongoing tensions between Latvia and Russia amid broader EU migration policies.
- Latvia has mandated that 841 Russian citizens leave the country by October 13 for not proving their proficiency in the Latvian language or undergoing necessary security checks.
- Under new amendments, approximately 30,000 Russian citizens must apply for EU long-term resident status and demonstrate A2-level Latvian language skills by June 30, 2025.
- The deportation of these Russian nationals reflects Latvias efforts to reinforce citizenship regulations and enhance national security in the context of rising tensions with Russia.
Why It Matters
This event underscores the challenges of human migration policies within the European Union, as Latvia tightens its regulations against Russian nationals amid geopolitical strains, raising questions about citizenship and national identity.