Latvian government extends anti-illegal-migration operation 'Vilkatis' until year's end

The Latvian government decided on Tuesday, October 6, to extend the operation known as 'Vilkatis,' which targets illegal migration along Latvia's eastern border region. The State Chancellery confirmed the decision.

Under the approved decision, the operation will continue through the end of this year, meaning until December 31.

'Vilkatis' is one of the tools the state uses to control the situation at the border with its eastern neighboring countries and to prevent illegal border crossings. The extension of the operation suggests that responsible institutions still consider the border situation to require heightened monitoring and continued resource commitment.

The State Chancellery did not provide further details on specific results of the operation or the number of people detained, but the decision to extend the timeframe indicates that the previous operational period was not considered complete or fully resolving the situation.

Illegal migration at Latvia's eastern border has been a recurring concern for several years, with the state regularly adjusting its measures according to the situation at the border. The extension through the end of the year means that the relevant agencies will continue their work at the same intensity at least until December 31, 2026.