Latvia’s Ministry of the Interior has proposed temporarily suspending visa issuance to citizens of Uzbekistan, citing concerns over public order and security.

The ministry said several Uzbek citizens committed a number of crimes shortly after arriving in Latvia, including offenses involving minors, according to daryo.uz.

“We are forced to take measures. Therefore, we propose suspending the issuance of visas to Uzbek citizens for a certain period and using this time to cooperate with the Uzbek side to prevent people who may pose a threat to public order and security from entering Latvia,” Latvian Interior Minister Janis Dombrovs said at a government meeting.

However, the proposal was not supported by Latvia’s coalition partners and was not added to the government meeting’s agenda.

The Interior Ministry expects the issue to be considered at one of the next government meetings.

On September 22, Latvia’s government approved a comprehensive migration restriction plan prepared by the Interior Ministry. The plan includes measures to regulate legal migration, strengthen oversight of foreign students, prevent illegal migration and improve deportation procedures.

A new immigration law also entered into force on September 15. It introduces stricter security requirements for issuing visas and residence permits and expands checks before foreigners enter the country.

Uzbek citizens generally need a Schengen visa to travel to Latvia. The issuing authority determines the visa’s validity period based on the purpose of travel, submitted documents, previous trips and other circumstances.