Mucenieki residents demand stricter restrictions on asylum seekers

Residents of the Mucenieki area have launched a signature drive demanding tighter controls on asylum seekers housed at the nearby center. So far, about 400 signatures have been gathered, which will be sent next week to the President, Prime Minister, and Minister of the Interior.

Locals express safety concerns, especially regarding children. Activist Kristīne reports that asylum seekers blow air kisses at her daughter and try to approach her. Another resident, Gunta, notes that public recreation areas are increasingly used by asylum seekers.

Vita Kulbere, head of the Mucenieki Asylum Seeker Accommodation Center, says that after recent stricter internal regulations, the situation is gradually improving. Under the new rules, asylum seekers may not leave the center after 11 p.m., public internet is switched off at midnight, and knives are banned from rooms – only small kitchen knives are available in common areas.

Every evening before 11 p.m., all residents' documents are checked. In the men's section, State Police officers and a dog handler with a service dog also check for prohibited substances. The center now operates a 24-hour police and additional security post.

However, some asylum seekers feel the rules are too strict. An Afghan man says people who miss the last bus or work night shifts are left outside. Another resident complains that the new rules make night work difficult.

The center management emphasizes that since the stricter measures were introduced, asylum seekers' behavior has become more disciplined, and no major violations have been found during nightly police checks.