Latvia gains 54 new citizens via naturalization route

Take note – story published 2 years ago

On Tuesday, June 29, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the granting of Latvian citizenship by naturalization to 54 more people, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) confirmed.

Of the 49 applicants for citizenship (plus five dependant minors), 71% are ethnic Russians, 16% Ukrainian, 8% Belarusian, while ethnic Lithuanians, Poles and other nationalities are also represented.

20% of the applicants for citizenship have basic education, 53% - secondary education and 26% - higher education, according to the official data (Yes, we know this adds up to 99%).

148,061 persons have now been admitted to Latvian citizenship by naturalization since 1995. So far this year, 168 people have naturalized, with the Covid pandemic appearing to significantly reduce numbers. In 2019 a total of 808 people naturalized and in 2020 the figure was 725. 

In order to become a Latvian citizen by naturalization, a person must confirm 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.

 

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