Here They Come Again! 0 19

The number of citizens from third countries arriving in Latvia is growing every year. Last year, the right to employment was granted to nearly 20,000 citizens from third countries, and at the end of last year, there were 7,000 citizens from third countries here for studies.

Although the official reasons for arrival are the same for a significant portion of citizens from third countries, not all of them are doing what they intended. For example, some students have such poor English skills that they are simply unable to study. Additionally, the State Labor Inspectorate has concluded that illegal employment is also on the rise. Most of the migrant workers are employed in construction.

The news program Panorāma on Latvian TV reported this evening that the Ministry of the Interior has developed a series of proposals aimed at tightening control mechanisms to prevent arrivals from violating the law.

"Each of these proposals is ultimately aimed at reducing the number of newcomers who arrive here not for the purpose they stated - for example, under the guise of studying, to work illegally or simply to enter the European Union. And therefore, of course, there are security risks, risks of the shadow economy, risks of illegal employment, which we as an industry are paying attention to," explained the prepared changes by the State Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior, Dmitrijs Trofimovs.

Regarding education, one of the proposals suggests that students will not be able to invite family members with them, as is currently the case. The only exception will be for doctoral students to facilitate the attraction of highly qualified workers.

Additionally, the proposals include a review of English language testing and an assessment of whether students have the appropriate financial support.

It is also planned to evaluate and revise the procedure for inviting citizens from third countries for work in simple professions.