Latvia’s largest business organisation, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LTRK), points out that, under the current circumstances, every instrument that helps generate economic activity and growth is important for Latvia’s development and security, ultimately creating the financial base needed to provide public services. This also applies to immigration policy as one of the components supporting Latvia’s development.
LTRK recognises the importance of national security, social stability and the preservation of national culture as essential factors in shaping immigration policy. At the same time, we believe that achieving these objectives should be based on effective and proportionate monitoring and control mechanisms, maintaining a balance between security and attracting the workforce needed by the labour market. LTRK advocates a well-considered immigration policy that ensures fast and straightforward access to workers from third countries to meet the needs of Latvian businesses, while at the same time managing security risks.
Immigration policy should be pragmatic and rational, clearly distinguishing illegal immigration and violations of regulations from those who come to Latvia to work and help create added value. This also applies to international students, who make a significant contribution to Latvia’s economy while studying and, after graduation, represent a potentially qualified and well-integrated workforce in Latvia.
LTRK President Aigars Rostovskis says: “Latvia cannot simultaneously pursue export and investment objectives while making it more difficult for the people who help achieve these objectives by creating added value and bringing additional funds into the local economy to remain in the country. No policy can be built on blanket restrictions and the assumption that everyone acts in bad faith and abuses the system. LTRK therefore supports a well-considered immigration policy capable of striking a balance between different interests.”
It should also be remembered that, by adopting the new Immigration Law in July 2026, the Saeima has already significantly strengthened both control and accountability. At the same time, compromises have been reached on several complex challenges affecting both national security and economic growth. Therefore, at this stage, during the pre-election period, there is no need to create renewed uncertainty either for the business environment or for society as a whole.
Source: ltrk.lv
