As warmer weather sets in, the risks of irregular migration may increase, according to Guntis Pujāts, Chief of the State Border Guard.
Pujāts noted that migration flows have also been influenced by Ramadan. With the holy month concluding in mid-March, the risks of irregular migration could rise.
The war in the Middle East has had a global impact on migration patterns. However, flights from the region have been fully cancelled or significantly restricted, making it extremely difficult and time-consuming to reach Latvia’s border without air travel, Pujāts added.
As previously reported, by Thursday this year, a total of 195 people had been prevented from illegally crossing the Latvia–Belarus border.
The government has extended the enhanced border control regime along the Belarusian border
until the 30th of June this year. The measure was introduced due to the increased flow of irregular migrants orchestrated by Belarus. The enhanced regime applies in Ludza and surrounding municipalities, Krāslava and its region, Augšdaugava Municipality, Daugavpils, as well as Kaunata parish in Rēzekne Municipality.
Last year, the State Border Guard prevented a total of 12,046 attempts to illegally cross the Belarus–Latvia border. For humanitarian reasons, entry was not denied to 31 irregular migrants. In 2024, 5,388 people were deterred from crossing the border illegally, while 26 individuals were admitted into the country on humanitarian grounds.
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