"Deputy Jurgis Klotins requests to bring Filipinas to Latvia," – such an initiative by a member of the National Alliance is reported by Neatkarīgā.
Here is what he said at the Saeima Committee on Citizenship, Migration, and Social Cohesion:
"How do we choose countries – Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, all of Central Asia, from which guest workers are invited? I want to point out the experience of Lithuania. The previous Saeima of Lithuania adopted a declaration stating that we should attract guest workers from countries with which we have more cultural affinity.
Currently, the number of guest workers from the Philippines is growing. It was once a Spanish colony, then under U.S. rule. In East Asian countries, there are their own cultural traditions, but they are deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition of the West. And – as is known – Lithuania also has this tradition. It is also significant for Latvia, especially in Latgale.
I think we should look at East Asia, at the Philippines. If a larger number of guest workers need to be attracted, then not from those countries where Islam and the Russian language dominate. Filipinos generally speak English very well."
