Validity of UK citizens' travel and residence permits in Latvia to be extended

RIGA - Saeima today approved in principle amendments extending travel and residence permits for the United Kingdom's citizens in Latvia following the UK's withdrawal from the European Union, as Saeima Press Department informed LETA.

According to the amendments, EU citizen's registration certificates, permanent residence cards and residence permits of a family member of a EU citizen issued in Latvia to UK citizens and their family members will be valid until the end of the period of validity indicated therein, but not later than June 30 this year. According to the current version of the Law on Judicial Cooperation and Protection of Persons' Rights during the Transition Period after the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union, residence permits issued to UK citizens are valid until December 31, 2020.

Furthermore, UK citizens who have been legally residing in Latvia until December 31, 2020 and wish to continue residing in Latvia have to submit an application to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs to receive a new document attesting to their rights of residence by June 30. Applications may be submitted in person, electronically or by mail, attaching a copy of a valid travel document thereto.

As reported, the UK withdraw from the EU on January 31, 2020. It continued to participate in the EU Customs Union and European Single Market during a transition period that ended on December 31, 2020