War in Middle East could increase illegal migration pressure on Latvia - minister

RIGA - The war in the Middle East could potentially affect the pressure of illegal migration on Latvia, and there are risks of attempts by Pakistani migrant workers living in Belarus to enter Latvia, Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis (New Unity) told LETA.

If the conflict escalates and ground operations are launched, there will inevitably be a movement of civilians, similar to what happened when Russia invaded Ukraine, and the risks of illegal migration could increase further, the minister warned.

A year ago, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko received Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on a visit and proposed that up to 150,000 Pakistanis come to Belarus to work.

Kozlovskis noted that Belarus already hosts tens of thousands of Pakistani migrant workers. The minister is worried that at some point, due to the information environment, these people may be told that Belarus is not the best country and that they should go to other countries. This means that the movement of these people will create the risk of increased immigration pressure on Latvia's borders.

Kozlovskis recently met his Pakistani counterpart, who showed interest in addressing illegal migration. The Latvian interior minister believes that bilateral contacts with Pakistan should be maintained.

As reported, so far this year, border guards have prevented attempts by 1,645 people to illegally enter Latvia from Belarus.

As reported, the government has extended the reinforced surveillance regime along Latvia's border with Belarus until June 30, 2026. The reinforced border security regime is in force in Ludza and the parishes of Ludza municipality, Kraslava and the parishes of Kraslava municipality, Augsdaugava municipality, Daugavpils, and the Kaunata parish in Rezekne municipality.

In 2025, 12,046 people were prevented from crossing the Belarusian-Latvian border illegally, while 31 were admitted on humanitarian grounds. In 2024, border guards stopped 5,388 migrants from entering Latvia and allowed 26 people to cross the border on humanitarian grounds.