Non-citizens (Latvia)

Latvian non-citizens passport (2011).

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Non-citizens in Latvia are individuals who are not citizens of Latvia or any other country, but who, under the Law on the Status of Former USSR Citizens, who do not have the Citizenship of Latvia or that of any other State, have the right to a Latvian non-citizen passport. This status was primarily created for those who were residents of Latvia during the Soviet occupation and their descendants, provided they do not have citizenship of another country. As of the early 21st century, non-citizens in Latvia made up approximately 12% of the country's population, though this number has been gradually decreasing.

History

After regaining independence in 1991, Latvia faced the challenge of defining its citizenship policy. The country decided to restore citizenship to those who had been citizens of Latvia prior to the Soviet occupation in 1940 and their descendants, leaving a significant portion of the population, primarily ethnic Russians, without citizenship. This group was granted the status of non-citizens, which conferred certain rights and privileges, albeit fewer than those of citizens.

Rights and Restrictions

Non-citizens in Latvia are entitled to reside, work, and study in Latvia. They have access to social security and healthcare services and are protected by Latvian law. However, they are not allowed to vote in national elections, hold certain public offices, or work in certain professions, such as the police or judiciary. Non-citizens can travel visa-free to many countries, including those in the Schengen Area, but they are not entitled to consular protection from Latvian embassies and consulates abroad, except in cases involving death, serious illness, arrest, or detention.

Controversies and Criticisms

The status of non-citizens in Latvia has been a subject of controversy and criticism both domestically and internationally. Critics argue that the policy discriminates against ethnic minorities, particularly ethnic Russians, and that it creates a group of people with fewer rights based on ethnicity. International organizations, including the United Nations and the Council of Europe, have called on Latvia to facilitate the naturalization process and to consider granting automatic citizenship to children born to non-citizens in Latvia.

Naturalization Process

Non-citizens may apply for Latvian citizenship through a process of naturalization, which requires passing tests on the Latvian language, the constitution, and the history of Latvia. The government has made efforts to simplify the naturalization process and reduce statelessness, including automatic citizenship for children born to non-citizens after August 21, 1991, provided the parents request it.

Current Situation

The number of non-citizens in Latvia has been steadily decreasing due to naturalization, emigration, and death. The Latvian government and various NGOs continue to encourage non-citizens to naturalize, offering free language courses and information campaigns about the benefits of citizenship. Despite these efforts, a significant number of people still retain non-citizen status, citing reasons such as personal identity, protest against the naturalization process, or the desire to maintain visa-free travel to Russia.

Non-citizens (Latvia) Resources
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