Coalition rift over expanding "golden visa" program
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has proposed expanding Latvia's so-called "golden visa" program, prompting questions about how this fits with the government's pledge to limit long-term visas for foreigners. National Security Committee chair Ainars Latkovskis says the proposal does not align with that commitment at all.
In its government declaration, Latvia's ruling coalition committed to restricting the issuance of new long-term visas and residence permits to foreign nationals. The issue resurfaced after President Edgars Rinkēvičs sent the Immigration Law back to the Saeima for a second review.
Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (AS) proposed expanding the so-called "golden visa" program, which grants residence rights in exchange for investment in the country.
Criticism from within the coalition
Speaking on the show "Spried ar Delfi," 14th Saeima MP and chair of the National Security Committee Ainars Latkovskis (JV) directly stated that Kulbergs' proposal contradicts the coalition's declared commitment to limiting residence permit issuance. Asked how the prime minister's initiative squares with that pledge, Latkovskis replied that it does not align "at all."
The comments point to potential disagreement within the coalition over migration and investment policy, particularly how to balance efforts to attract foreign investors with promises to tighten control over residence permits.
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