In recent weeks there has been an increase of the flow of migrants believed to be organised by the regime in Belarus in Latvia’s direction, as reported by the chief of State Border Guard Guntis Pujāts during the meeting held by the Saeima’s Defence, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee on the 30th of November.
Considering the rising pressure from illegal immigration, Latvia’s government decided to extend the state of emergency in Ludza, Krāslava, Augšdaugava and Daugavpils until the 10th of February 2022. It is worth mentioning that this state of emergency has been in effect in Latvia for more than a year already.
Pujāts said the border guard notice a great deal of involvement from the Belarusian State Border Guard in organising the illegal migrant flow.
On top of that, Latvian officials report having seen arms unusual for border guards in Belarus – sniper rifles and machine guns.
Last year Latvian authorities prevented 4 045 attempts to illegally cross the Latvian-Belarusian border, 446 persons were detained. Most of those people were detained before the state of emergency was declared. 59 of those people voluntarily returned to their home country, most returned to Iraq. 421 people have run away from asylum centres. According to Pujāts, this indicates none of them had any interest in staying in Latvia.
This year, however, border guards prevented 4 057 attempts to illegally cross the Latvian-Belarusian border. 141 people were detained and denied entry to the country.
Pujāts said the flow of migrants has been coming in waves. He added that January had the highest rate of illegal border-crossing attempts.
Pressure was the highest towards Lithuania, which chose to deny immigrants entry to the country. This is why the influx got divided between Latvia and Poland.
Events observed in recent weeks indicate that the influx of immigrants is on a rise in Latvia’s direction. Last week alone a total of 178 people tried illegally crossing Latvia’s border. 71 people tried a week prior. 42 people were caught in the last 24 hours.
Pujāts was wholly critical of the regime in Belarus, which continues to organise influx of migrants towards the EU. The regime of that country functions as part of organised crime that earns money from human trafficking. This money is then invested back into violations of human rights in Belarus and support of Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
The chief of the State Border Guard warned that it will be very difficult to deter illegal migrants from Latvia’s borders during winter.
It is also important to keep in mind the protests in Iran and Russia’s close ties with this Middle Eastern country, which could mean there is a risk of Iranian citizens being sent to Europe.
Also read: Latvia plans to extend state of emergency on border with Belarus