Since the beginning of the year, Latvian border guards have already prevented more than 4,500 attempts to illegally cross the border from Belarus. The State Border Guard warns that the workload on employees has reached a critical level.
The resources of the State Border Guard at the Latvian-Belarusian border are currently being used to their maximum capacity. This was stated in an interview with the LETA agency by the head of the State Border Guard, Guntis Pujats.
According to him, since the beginning of the year, 4,577 attempts of illegal entry into Latvia from Belarus have already been prevented. If the current trend continues, last year's figures may be exceeded. For comparison, last year, Latvian border guards prevented more than 12,000 attempts to illegally cross the border.
Although activity was lower in winter, the situation remains tense throughout the year. According to Pujats, in the context of hybrid pressure, migration flows can be used as a tool of influence regardless of the season.
The head of the border guard noted that to ensure the protection of the eastern border, employees from other units of the service have to be involved. Due to a lack of resources, many employees are working significantly more than usual. According to Pujats, restrictions on overtime hours are practically not being observed, and the workweek for some employees can reach 56 hours.
For the residents of Latvia, this means that a significant portion of the border guard's resources continues to be concentrated on the Belarusian direction, which the authorities consider one of the main sources of hybrid threats.
Pujats also stated that the instrumentalization of migration may be related to various political factors and information campaigns. In his opinion, the flow of illegal migrants periodically responds to events and decisions related to Latvia.
Currently, a regime of enhanced border protection continues to operate in the border area. The government has extended it until June 30. The special regime applies to several territories in Latgale, including the Ludza, Kraslava, and Augsdaugava regions, as well as Daugavpils and the Kaunat parish of the Rezekne region.
In certain cases, Latvia continues to apply humanitarian exceptions. This year, 31 people have been admitted to the country for humanitarian reasons.
For comparison, in 2024, border guards prevented 5,388 attempts to illegally cross the border, and in 2025, this figure more than doubled to 12,046 cases.
According to current statistics, pressure on the Latvian-Belarusian border remains high, and the border guard is preparing for the possibility that the number of attempts at illegal entry this year may set a new record.
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