Afghans, Pakistanis and Somalis lead asylum applications in Latvia
Latvia received 1,210 first-time international protection applications from third-country nationals between January and September, most of them from men. Afghan citizens filed the largest number.
In the first nine months of this year, from January to September, Latvia received 1,210 first-time applications for international protection, or asylum, from third-country nationals, according to data compiled by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. Third countries are those outside the European Union. Of the total, 1,140 applications were submitted by men.
Main countries of origin
Citizens of Afghanistan submitted the most first-time applications, 250 in total. June was the busiest month, with 110 applications from Afghans.
Pakistan ranks second with 195 applications, while 135 applications came from citizens of Somalia.
Who can seek international protection
International protection can be requested by a person who has left their home country and believes they face a serious threat there, such as persecution, human rights violations or war. Such a person is seeking safety in another country.
