Such changes are necessary because a significant part of the newly registered COVID-19 cases in Latvia have been identified to have come from foreign arrivals. The changes aim to ensure that arrivals properly comply with the rules on isolation, self-insulation and home quarantine, with stiff penalties acting as a deterrent against rule-breaking.
Until now, the existing framework allowed a fine to be imposed for failure to comply with the self-isolation rules. Now the changes include the annulment of the visa or temporary residence permit issued to foreigners, as well as the annulment of the decision regarding the issuance of a visa or a temporary residence permit.
The revocation, however, is not compulsory. It shall be applied by assessing each individual case, particularly if a foreigner has received a visa or a temporary residence permit in order to enter Latvia for the purpose of family unification.
At the same time, the amendments take a step towards the receivers of residence permits, because entry into the country is difficult. The validity of the decisions on granting of a residence permit is extended until the end of this year.
