Latvia: language examination for immigrants approved

The Cabinet of Ministers approved state language examination procedure for foreigners who are applying for permanent residence and working permits in Latvia. As reported, applicants for permanent residence permit should demonstrate Latvian language proficiency skills which correspond at least the lowest language proficiency level set by Latvian legal norms. The Cabinet of Ministers noted that those foreigners who have taken centralized Latvian language exam or have graduated from university which main language of instruction is Latvian or have learned Latvian in their country and are able to confirm it with respective certificate, do not have to take the language proficiency test. Since February 1st, in Latvia 120685 naturalization applications have been received from the applicants of the citizenship of Latvia, whereoff nearly 90 per cent are russian native speaking.