OREANDA-NEWS Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (UDGM) The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Latvia reported that at least 1,213 Russian citizens who lived in Latvia with a permanent residence permit (residence permit) will be expelled from the country in early 2024 for non-compliance with the new amendments to the immigration law, LSM reports.

The UDGM clarified that the Russians face expulsion because they did not submit documents for a permanent, two-year or temporary residence permit until November 30. The agency reported that among those who were delayed in obtaining legal status to live in Latvia, 1,344 Russians managed to apply for a residence permit by the deadline. In addition, 904 people have left the country, the UDGM added.

At the same time, the ministry clarified that the final number of Russians to be expelled will be determined by January 3, 2024, because by December 31, 2023, they have the opportunity to apply for permanent resident status in the EU. The UDGM stressed that this opportunity is available only to those who have retaken the Latvian language proficiency test before November 30.

Russians who failed to pass the exam successfully can apply for permission to stay in Latvia for another two years by December 31, 2023, extending the legal status of stay in the country. Russians who had reasonable reasons not to take the exam before November 30 can apply for a residence permit by March 31, 2024.