On Thursday, 3 March, the Saeima adopted in the second and final reading the urgent Law on support for the civilian population of Ukraine.
The Law was adopted to extend support for Ukrainian citizens and their family members leaving Ukraine or for those who cannot return to Ukraine due to the armed conflict initiated by the Russian Federation, as well as to extend general support for the people of Ukraine. The support prescribed by the Law will be provided throughout the duration of the armed conflict.
As highlighted in the summary of the Draft Law, the asylum application and reviewing process is not repealed or amended, instead this Law establishes an additional mechanism through which Ukrainians will be able to quickly receive support, as well as residence and work permits in Latvia.
According to the Law, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, the State Border Guard, or the diplomatic and consular representations of the Republic of Latvia abroad will be able to issue to the civilians of Ukraine long-stay visas with unrestricted work permits up to a period of one year.
According to the Law, Latvia will provide Ukrainian citizens with the primary support — accommodation and catering services, as well as essential supplies for up to 90 days. The list of supplies and their quantities included in the primary support package, as well as the procedure for organising the primary support, is established by the Cabinet of Ministers.
The people of Ukraine will also be entitled to state-funded healthcare services to the same extent as the persons insured under the Latvian compulsory healthcare insurance system.
Employers will no longer be required to register their vacancies with the State Employment Agency to employ Ukrainian civilians. In addition, the requirement of ensuring a wage that is not lower than the average gross wage of the previous year in Latvia, established by the laws on employment of foreigners, and the required amount of financial resources, will not apply. Upon hiring a Ukrainian civilian, the employer is entitled to receive from the State Employment Agency a subsidy in the amount of one minimum monthly salary.
The Law establishes specific terms that apply to the employment of Ukrainian civilians in the education system and their right to provide medical treatment, as well as provides an exception regarding their use of the official state language during employment. The Law states that the employer has the right to employ Ukrainian citizens who do not possess any official state language skills unless it interferes with carrying out their duties.
The Law also enables local governments to donate funds or supplies to support the people of Ukraine.
The Law will enter into force on the day following its promulgation.
Saeima Press Service