Latvia’s Ministry of the Interior has proposed amendments to its regulations, introducing additional security checks for Tajik citizens applying for visas or residence permits. The news was reported by the Baltijas Balss news portal, citing the ministry.

According to the ministry’s statement, the current regulations include a list of countries whose nationals are subject to enhanced scrutiny when applying for visas or residence. This list is regularly reviewed based on evolving security concerns.

The ministry justified adding Tajikistan to the revised list by citing increased terrorism-related risks. In particular, the growing influence of the extremist group “Islamic State – Khorasan Province” was highlighted.

Latvian intelligence agencies assess that Tajik nationals are at a higher risk of radicalization and potential involvement in terrorist activities — a claim allegedly supported by incidents recorded in other European countries.

Diverging approaches: who gets checked, who doesn’t

While proposing stricter checks for Tajik nationals, Latvia’s Interior Ministry has also suggested removing several other countries from the enhanced screening list. Based on a 2023–2025 review, no significant security risks were identified for Nigerian citizens, who mostly apply for tourist or long-term visas and residency permits.

In contrast to tighter restrictions for some nations, the European Union has moved toward easing requirements for others. In July of this year, the EU adopted more favorable Schengen visa rules for Indonesian citizens. Additionally, a preferential visa regime was introduced for Gulf countries — Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman — with negotiations underway for possible visa-free access.

Latvia’s Interior Ministry emphasizes that enhanced checks do not equate to automatic denial of visas or residence permits. Instead, they entail a more thorough review of applicants’ data under standard security protocols.