In Latvia, 1.1 thousand Russians threatened to deport
More than a thousand people are subject to expulsion from Latvia by the beginning of 2024, among them more than half are Russians over 60 years old. The Russian Foreign Ministry promised to equip compatriots if the deportation really takes place.
Expulsion from Latvia threatens 1,167 Russians, 789 of them are over 60 years old, Leta writes with reference to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCCMI) of the Republic.
According to the agency, such a number of Russians did not comply with the requirements of amendments to the immigration law and did not apply for one of the residence permits in Latvia. At the end of December, the Latvian authorities estimated the number of Russians to be deported at 1,213, but since then 46 people have left the country on their own.
It is not yet known exactly how many Russians are subject to expulsion from Latvia, since on January 3 the period of validity of permanent residence permit for those Russians who are subject to amendments to the immigration law and who have not submitted documents for the status of permanent resident of the European Union until December 31, 2023. This application deadline applies only to those who retaked the language proficiency test before November 30.
The head of the migration service, Mayra Rose, recognized the complexity and cumbersomeness of the deportation process of Russians living in Latvia who did not apply for a residence permit.
"The first stage - the request for explanation - has already begun. The second stage will begin in February - the assessment of the explanations provided and the issuance of departure orders. The third stage - if a person does not leave within 30 days after receiving the departure order, a decision on forced expulsion will be made, which will be performed by the State Border Service," the Migration Department reported.
The Russian Embassy in Latvia noted the presence of several thousand pensioners on the deportation lists. The Diplomatic Mission told about an 84-year-old woman who lived in Jekabpils for more than 60 years and worked at Latvian reinforced concrete and dolomite plants. Due to her old age, she was not informed about the exam in time, and in Russia the woman has no relatives or housing, the embassy indicated.
"Russia will do everything possible to ensure that if it really comes to the return of our compatriots to their homeland, they will be equipped," the Russian Foreign Ministry promised.
