Press releases

Saeima reconsiders and adopts amendments to Immigration Law on the reissue of residence permits to foreigners
On Thursday, 9 June, the Saeima reconsidered the amendments to the Immigration Law pertaining to the parliament’s previously supported provision that upon applying for a residence permit extension, foreigners are to pay EUR 5 000 into the state budget.
Saeima ratifies Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Kazakhstan
On Thursday, 9 May, Saeima adopted in the final reading the Law on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Kazakhstan, of the other part, ratifying the cooperation agreement signed on 21 December 2015.
Inese Lībiņa-Egnere: insolvency system quality a crucial prerequisite for national economic development
“The quality of the insolvency system affects not only the private sector, but also the public sector, as the state budget loses the funds that are not recovered in business insolvency cases. Therefore, a properly functioning system is crucial for national economic development and sustainability; its quality affects the development of the business environment, as well as the appeal of the state for investors,” Inese Lībiņa-Egnere, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, said in her opening address at a discussion on the rule of law in insolvency proceedings and bailouts, hosted by the Saeima on Friday, 3 June.
Saeima delegation meets with the Deputy Chairperson of the House of Majilis of the parliament of Kazakhstan in Astana
During their visit to Astana, Inese Lībiņa Egnere, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, and Andrejs Klementjevs, Secretary of the Saeima, met with Gulmira Isimbayeva, Deputy Chairperson of the House of the Majilis of the parliament of Kazakhstan. The Saeima delegation noted the successful parliamentary relationship as well as active municipal contacts between Latvia and Kazakhstan; they serve as a good basis for developing cooperation in other areas, including economy. The representatives of the Saeima emphasised that Kazakhstan is already Latvia’s main trade partner in Central Asia.  
Members of the Saeima take part in conference Religion against Terrorism held in Astana
While on a working visit to Kazakhstan, Members of the Saeima attended a conference hosted by the parliament of Kazakhstan focusing on one of today’s challenges – Religion against Terrorism.
Inese Lībiņa-Egnere, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, and Andrejs Klementjevs, Secretary of the Saeima, are on a visit to Astana, Kazakhstan, where they met with Rapil Zhoshibaev, Commissioner of Expo Astana 2017. The Saeima representatives confirmed Latvia’s readiness to participate in the international exhibition to be held next year in Kazakhstan.
During their visit to Astana, Inese Lībiņa-Egnere, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, and Andrejs Klementjevs, Secretary of the Saeima, met with the highest officials of Kazakhstan and stressed that Kazakhstan is an important partner for Latvia in the Central Asia region. It is evidenced by the fact that cooperation with Central Asia was among the priorities of the Latvian presidency of the EU and continues to be high on Latvia’s foreign policy agenda also after the conclusion of our presidency. The representatives of the Presidium of the Saeima met with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, and Roman Vasilenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and the co-chair of the Kazakh – Latvian Intergovernmental Commission.
Saeima: non-ethnic Latvian citizens can now register as Latvians
On Thursday, 26 May, the Saeima approved in the second reading the amendments to the Law on the Change of a Given Name, Surname and Nationality Record. According to these amendments, citizens of Latvia who are not ethnically Latvian but have permanently lived in the country for at least 15 years, have learned the official language, and affiliate themselves with Latvian culture, will be granted a right to change their nationality to Latvian.
Speaker Mūrniece: Latvia supports prompt introduction of visa-free regime with Georgia
On Wednesday, 25 May, within the framework of a working visit to Georgia, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, met with the highest officials of the state. Speaker Mūrniece said that “Latvia will continue to support Georgia and will urge for prompt introduction of a visa-free regime with the European Union. Georgia has diligently completed its homework and implemented various reforms so that its citizens may enjoy the advantages provided by a visa-free regime.”
On 24-27 May Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, will be on a working visit to Tbilisi, Georgia, to participate in the ceremonial events in honour of the 25th anniversary of Georgia’s independence, as well as to meet with high-level officials.
Ceturtdien, 18.jūlijā
09:00  Eiropas Savienības Austrumu partnerības parlamentāro administrāciju dialogs par pārmaiņu vadību, sarunu vešanu un komunikāciju
15:30  Saeimas sekretāra Edvarda Smiltēna tikšanās ar Vācijas Federatīvās Republikas ārkārtējo un pilnvaroto vēstnieku Latvijas Republikā V.E. Christian Heldt