Latvia may deport almost 1,200 Russian nationals for failing to apply for residency permits

A total of 1167 Russian citizens, many of them over 60 years old, have been threatened with deportation from Latvia, LETA reports citing the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of Latvia (UDGM).

They plan to deport both men and women from the country. Another 46 people have already left the country earlier.

"Deportation from Latvia threatens citizens who have not fulfilled the requirements of amendments to the Immigration Law," the agency said.

In addition, deportation threatens those who have not applied for a residence permit to live in the country.

The head of the UDGM Maira Roze noted that the process of deportation of Russians from the country will be complicated. First, they will be required to explain why they are not leaving Latvia. Then, in February, these explanations will be considered. If a person refuses to leave the country within a month of his own free will, he will be forcibly deported.