Coalition backs tougher penalties for enabling illegal migration

Latvia's governing coalition reached an agreement on Monday to take a firmer stance on illegal migration. The parties agreed to advance tougher penalties for offenses connected to illegal migration.

Alongside stricter penalties, the coalition also backed several measures aimed at strengthening the monitoring of third-country nationals residing in or entering the country. Specific penalty amounts, the scope of the planned legislation, and implementation timelines have not yet been disclosed.

The agreement signals that curbing illegal migration and tightening related controls remain a priority on the coalition's political agenda. The next steps are expected to involve translating the agreement into concrete legislative amendments, which will then be submitted for review by the relevant institutions.