Latvia's Interior Ministry has proposed suspending the issuance of visas to Uzbek nationals for a set period. The ministry said several nationals of Uzbekistan committed a number of crimes shortly after arriving in Latvia, including offenses against minors.
The ministry had proposed that the government consider the matter at its meeting on September 29.
"Where several nationals of Uzbekistan have committed a number of crimes soon after arriving in Latvia, including crimes against minors, we must take action. That is why we are proposing to suspend visa issuance to Uzbek nationals for a certain period and to use that time to cooperate with the Uzbek side," Latvian Interior Minister Janis Dombrava said.
According to Dombrava, the aim of such cooperation is to prevent the entry into Latvia of people who could pose a threat to public order or security.
The ministry said that while the restriction is in force, Latvia's relevant agencies plan to work with the Uzbek authorities to improve vetting procedures and reduce the risk that individuals who may pose a security threat enter the country.
However, on September 29, coalition partners in the Latvian government were not ready to put the issue on the meeting agenda. The Interior Ministry hopes the proposal will be considered at the next government meeting.
No final decision has yet been made on suspending visas for Uzbek nationals.
