EU support is strengthening visa issuance practices

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is implementing an EU-funded project that continues the long-standing practice of organizing annual regional training for consular officers and clerks involved in processing and examining visa applications at Latvian diplomatic and consular missions abroad.

The aim of the training is to enhance the professional qualifications of officials in order to ensure a uniform Schengen visa issuance practice in all Latvian diplomatic and consular missions, strictly applying the requirements of the Schengen acquis, preventing the entry into Latvia of persons who could threaten national security or violate the conditions of stay, while facilitating visa issuance for bona fide travelers.

As a result of the project implementation, national security is promoted and risks associated with illegal migration are mitigated.

The project has been allocated a budget of 314,000 euros, of which 235,500 euros is European Union funding and 78,500 euros is national budget funding.

The project is implemented within the framework of the 2021-2027 planning programming period of the Financial Instrument for Borders and Visa Policy, the managing authority of which in Latvia is the Ministry of the Interior.