Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Latvia Sandis Ģirgens issued a statement today on the current situation in Belarus, calling on the Belarusian government to end violence and repressions against its people, and if the situation persists, emphasizing the possibility for Belarusian companies suffering from the country's regime to relocate to Latvia.
"I condemn the repressions and violence currently being perpetrated by the Belarusian authorities against their own people, and I voice support for the Belarusian nations in their struggle for a fair and democratic state and for open elections. I call on the Belarusian authorities to end the repression and allow the presidential elections to be held again in accordance with internationally recognized standards, ensuring equal access for the opposition to all government-controlled media and allowing it to participate in the elections on equal terms. I would also like to emphasize that it is not acceptable that the highest officials of Belarus have positioned Latvia in the media environment as a country that threatens the sovereignty of Belarus. We have always perceived the people of Belarus as our friendly neighbors and reliable partners,” says Minister of the Interior Sandis Ģirģens.
“Last July, the amendments to the Immigration Law proposed by the Ministry of the Interior were approved, which made it easier for foreign companies in Latvia to obtain a European Union Blue Card in order to promote the attraction of highly qualified specialists. If the current situation in Belarus does not improve and violence against the people of Belarus continues, I would like to welcome Belarusian companies, especially in the IT sector, to relocate their operations to Latvia,” the Minister continues.
According to last year's amendments to the Immigration Law, a foreigner whose purpose of entry is employment may be issued a long-term visa for a period not exceeding one year. If a foreigner wishes to continue residing in the Republic of Latvia after the expiry of the visa, he or she is entitled to request a temporary residence permit during the long-term validity of the visa without leaving the Republic of Latvia. If a company develops an innovative product and is a start-up, then board members can obtain a residence permit immediately, even before the company is established. The company and its board members must be registered within 3 months of receiving the residence permit.
The Immigration Law also provides for the possibility to apply for a temporary residence permit for investments in the share capital of a capital company (minimum 50,000 euros). The spouse of a foreigner, minor children (also under guardianship) and persons under guardianship of a foreigner or his or her spouse also have the right to request a permit for the term of the residence permit issued to the foreigner.
Prepared:
Beata Jonite
Adviser to the Minister of the Interior
Communication issues
Mob .: 28351588
E-mail: beata.jonite@iem.gov.lv