Dombrava-criticized Allika removed as head of asylum seeker center "Mucenieki"

Andželika Allika, who managed the asylum seeker accommodation center "Mucenieki," will no longer serve as its head starting June 29. She will continue working at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) in a different position. The decision comes after Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava (National Alliance) criticized the center's work organization and alleged systematic violations.

Dombrava expressed dissatisfaction with Allika's performance on social media and ordered an assessment of her responsibility for the breaches. According to the Interior Ministry, the minister informed PMLP chief Mairis Rozīte about the violations and discussed necessary actions. The minister believes Allika is unsuitable for her position, though personnel decisions are made by the PMLP itself.

The PMLP has launched an in-depth investigation into possible organizational and other violations at the center. The name of the new head has not been disclosed; that person will also assume the role of head of the Asylum Seeker Accommodation Department.

Earlier, the minister stated that two disturbances occurred at the center before the holidays, requiring intervention by specialized State Police units. However, Allika previously told Latvian Radio that the situation is difficult due to overcrowding, but no security risks to staff or significant incidents have been reported. She explained that asylum seekers are provided with household items, including knives for cooking, but security guards have not observed them being taken outside or used as threats.

Dombrava expects PMLP leadership to show progress in returning illegal immigrants who misled authorities to obtain asylum seeker status. He also suggested that the solution is to send such migrants back to their countries of entry, adding, "I don't care about European norms; let Europe howl and scream." These comments drew criticism from the NGO "Gribu palīdzēt bēgļiem," which said the minister demonstrates a lack of understanding of EU legal norms and Latvia's obligations.