The outgoing Saeima adopted the bill almost unanimously in the final reading, with only the National Alliance MP Ingūna Rībena abstaining.
The Saeima said the main benefits from the law would be that whistleblowers will be granted anonymity and provided free legal support. Whistleblowers will also be protected from possible repercussions at their workplace.
The State Chancery said that whistleblowers will be able to turn to their workplace, or a union, or the special contact point at the State Chancery with their information.
Lawyer Lauris Liepa told Latvian Radio that another benefit is that big companies will have to set up a system which allows whistleblowers to report company activities. "The law obliges them to process and check this information...they have a duty to pass it on," said Liepa.
The whistleblower protection law is expected to be approved by the president and become effective May 1, 2019.
More information about the law is available at the main government website.
