Of the 68 applicants for citizenship (plus one minor), 73% are ethnic Russians, 10% Ukrainians, and 5% Belarusians, while ethnic Lithuanians, Poles and other nationalities are also represented.
16% of applicants for citizenship have basic education, 45% - secondary education and 38% - higher education.
147,935 persons have been admitted to Latvian citizenship by naturalization since 1995.
In order to become a Latvian citizen by naturalization, a person must confirmed their basic proficiency in the Latvian language, as well as successfully pass an examination of the basic provisions of the constitution, the text of the national anthem and knowledge of Latvian history.
As reported by LSM elsewhere, citizenship can also be bestowed by special ruling of the Saeima, which sidesteps the requirements for the language and other tests. However, this is a fairly rare occurence.
The PMLP is currently working on developing an online self-assessment tool to allow citizenship candidates to test their knowledge of the anthem and history, as well as listening to and reading the Latvian language.
The new e-tool will allow candidates not only to prepare for the exam in the form of self-study, but also to watch a training video on how the naturalization exam process takes place, reducing the 'fear factor' of what is to some an important and even intimidating experience.
However, this does not mean that it will be possible to pass the examination online. The knowledge of the anthem, as well as the other parts of the examination, will also have to be confirmed in a face-to-face examination in front of the commission, as has been the case until now.
The PMLP says the e-tool will reach the public in May of this year.
