Due to the intensifying problem with illegal migration, the Latvian government has introduced a state of emergency in regions bordering Belarus. The state of emergency will be in force between August 11 and November 10 2021.
In accordance with the government’s decision, the Latvian Border Guard will be supported by the police and National Armed Forces to contain the situation.
The Border Guard’s competencies will also be expanded. Officers will have the right to turn back illegal migrants and even use physical force and special measures if the situation demands it.
The Latvian government has also obliged the appropriate institutions to ensure accommodation and first aid to persons who have crossed the Belarusian-Latvian border.
Following Lithuania’s decision to turn back illegal migrants back to Belarus, illegal migration to Poland and Latvia has increased.
A total of 283 migrants have already crossed the Latvian border between August 6 and 10.
Last week, Latvian PM Arturs Krišjānis Kariņš announced the acceleration of the modernization of his country’s border infrastructure and the engagement of armed forces in the protection of the border.
The Latvians have also already strengthened border protection and are being supported by four Frontex officers.
