Name of legal analyst: Kristine Mezale Date Table completed: October 2008 Contact details: kristine.mezale@pplc.lv Country: LATVIA Introduction to the transposition context Directive 2004/38/EC has been transposed in Latvian legislation primarily by Republic of Latvia Cabinet Regulation No. 586 Procedures for the Entry into and Residence in the Republic of Latvia of Citizens of European Union Member States, European Economic Area States and the Swiss Confederation, and their Family Members. Although part of the Directive 2004/38/EC was transposed correctly, a great amount of relevant issues were not transposed or transposed improperly in the national legislation. Some transposition issues are ambiguous and some have been incorporated in a more stringent manner than the Directive does. This considers to be a relevant problem as many transposing requirements has been broadened, thus limiting the right of free movement. List of transposing national legislation (including legal reference and abbreviations used in TOC) Ministru kabineta noteikumi Kārtība, kādā Latvijas Republikā ieceļo un uzturas Eiropas Savienības dalībvalstu, Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas valstu un Šveices Konfederācijas pilsoņi un viņu ģimenes locekļi (Republic of Latvia Cabinet Regulation No. 586 Procedures for the Entry into and Residence in the Republic of Latvia of Citizens of European Union Member States, European Economic Area States and the Swiss Confederation, and their Family Members ), adopted 18 July 2006, enactment 21 July 2006, Latvijas Vēstnesis (the official Gazette of the Government of Latvia) R586( online publication: http://www.vestnesis.lv/index.php?menu=doc&id=140189) Imigrācijas likums (Immigration Law), adopted 31 October 2002, enactment 1 May 2003, Latvijas Vēstnesis (the official Gazette of the Government of Latvia), (Amended 20 December 2007, enacted 23 January 2008)- IL (online publication: http://www.vestnesis.lv/index.php?menu=doc&id=68522) Ministru kabineta noteikumi Kārtība, kādā personas šķērso Latvijas Republikas valsts robežu (Republic of Latvia Cabinet Regulation No. 310 Procedures by which Persons Cross the State Border of the Republic of Latvia ), adopted 10 July 2001, enactment 14 July 2001, Latvijas Vēstnesis (the official Gazette of the Government of Latvia) R310 (online publication http://www.vestnesis.lv/index.php?menu=doc&id=26169). Personu apliecinošo dokumentu likums (Personal Identification Documents Law), adopted 23 May 2002, enactment 1 July 2002, Latvijas Vēstnesis (the official Gazette of the Government of Latvia), (Amended 02 June 2005, 09 February 2006, 19 October 2006., 1 November 2007) - PIDL (online publication: http://www.vestnesis.lv/index.php?menu=doc&id=26169) Ministru kabineta noteikumi Pasu noteikumi (Republic of Latvia Cabinet Regulation No. 755 Passport Regulations ), adopted 13 November 2007, enactment 20 November 2007, Latvijas Vēstnesis (the official Gazette of the Government of Latvia) - R755 (online publication: http://www.vestnesis.lv/index.php?menu=doc&id=166435) Ministru kabineta noteikumi Nr. 222 Noteikumi par valsts nodevu par vīzas, uzturēšanās atļaujas vai Eiropas Kopienas pastāvīgā iedzīvotāja statusa Latvijas Republikā pieprasīšanai nepieciešamo dokumentu izskatīšanu un ar to saistītajiem pakalpojumiem (Republic of Latvia Cabinet Regulation No. 222 State fees for processing the necessary visa, residence permit or permanent European Community residence status application documents and related services ), adopted 1 April 2008, enacted 4 April 2008 R222 (online publication http://www.vestnesis.lv/index.php?menu=doc&id=153122). Other abbreviations CA: competent authorities Art. : Article R586 : Republic of Latvia Cabinet Regulation No. 586 Procedures for the Entry into and Residence in the Republic of Latvia of Citizens of European Union Member States, European Economic Area States and the Swiss Confederation, and their Family Members IL: Immigration Law R310: Republic of Latvia Cabinet Regulation No. 310 Procedures by which Persons Cross the State Border of the Republic of Latvia PIDL: Personal Identification Documents Law R755: Republic of Latvia Cabinet Regulation No. 755 Passport Regulations R222: Republic of Latvia Cabinet Regulation No. 222 State fees for processing the necessary visa, residence permit or permanent European Community residence status application documents and related services R217:: Republic of Latvia Cabinet Regulation No. 217 Visa Regulation 1/68
LCAI: Latvian Code on Administrative Infringements AAP: Act on Administrative Procedures Analysed legislation in conformity? (click as appropriate) ES NO or/and Stricter Incomplete or/and Incorrect G I 2/68
Art Citation of the Article of the Directive Corresponding national provision (legal ref. & art.) Chapter I. GENERAL PROVISIONS Art. 2.1 Definitions Art. 2.2 (a) For the purposes of this Directive: 1) "Union citizen" means any person having the nationality of a Member State; 2) "Family member" means: (a) the spouse; Art. 1.12 IL Art. 1 R586 Art. 3.1 R586 Complete text of national provision (in language of Member State) 1.12 Savienības pilsonis ārzemnieks, kuram ir kādas Eiropas Savienības dalībvalsts, Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas valsts vai Šveices Konfederācijas pilsonība. 1. Noteikumi nosaka kārtību, kādā Latvijas Republikā ieceļo un uzturas citu Eiropas Savienības dalībvalstu, Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas valstu un Šveices Konfederācijas pilsoņi (turpmāk Savienības pilsoņi) un viņu ģimenes locekļi, kā arī kārtību, kādā minētās personas izraida no Latvijas Republikas. 3. Noteikumu izpratnē Savienības pilsoņa ģimenes loceklis ir: 3.1. Savienības pilsoņa laulātais Translation into English of national provision 1.12 Union Citizen foreigner, who has nationality of European Union Member State, European Economic Area State or the Swiss Confederation State. 1. These Regulations prescribe the procedures for the entry into and residence in the Republic of Latvia of Citizens of European Union Member States, European Economic Area States and the Swiss Confederation (hereinafter Union citizens) and their family members, as well as the procedures by which the persons referred to are expelled from the Republic of Latvia. 3. Within the meaning of these Regulations a family member of a Union citizen shall be: 3.1. the spouse of a Union citizen Fully in accord? (y/n) Comments/Problems Effective transposition Union citizen definition according to Latvian legislation includes also EEC and Swiss Confederation nationals. Literal tramsposition Art. 2.2 (b) Art. 2.2 (c) (b) the partner with whom the Union citizen has contracted a registered partnership, on the basis of the legislation of a Member State, if the legislation of the host Member State treats registered partnerships as equivalent to marriage and in accordance with the conditions laid down in the relevant legislation of the host Member State; (c) the direct descendants who are under the age of 21 or are dependants and those of the spouse or partner as defined in point (b); Art. 3.2 R586 3.2. Savienības pilsoņa vai viņa laulātā radinieks taisnā lejupējā līnijā, kas nav sasniedzis 21 gada vecumu vai atrodas Savienības pilsoņa vai viņa laulātā apgādībā; 3.2. a relative in direct descent of the Union citizen or his or her spouse who has not reached the age of 21 or is a dependant of a Union citizen or his or her spouse; n/a Latvia does not provide for registered partnership and does not treat registered partnerships as equivalent to marriage. Effective transposition. As point (b) of Art. 2.2 has not been transposed the definition does not cover a partner. 3/68
Art. 2.2 (d) Art. 2.3 Art. 3.1 (d) the dependent direct relatives in the ascending line and those of the spouse or partner as defined in point (b); 3) "Host Member State" means the Member State to which a Union citizen moves in order to exercise his/her right of free movement and residence. Beneficiaries This Directive shall apply to all Union citizens who move to or reside in a Member State other than that of which they are a national, and to their family members as defined in point 2 of Article 2 who accompany or join them. Art. 3.3 R586 Art. 1 R586 Art. 1 R586 Art. 2 R586 3.3. Savienības pilsoņa vai viņa laulātā radinieks taisnā augšupējā līnijā, kas atrodas Savienības pilsoņa vai viņa laulātā apgādībā; 1. Noteikumi nosaka kārtību, kādā Latvijas Republikā ieceļo un uzturas citu Eiropas Savienības dalībvalstu, Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas valstu un Šveices Konfederācijas pilsoņi (turpmāk Savienības pilsoņi) un viņu ģimenes locekļi, kā arī kārtību, kādā minētās personas izraida no Latvijas Republikas. 1. Noteikumi nosaka kārtību, kādā Latvijas Republikā ieceļo un uzturas citu Eiropas Savienības dalībvalstu, Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas valstu un Šveices Konfederācijas pilsoņi (turpmāk Savienības pilsoņi) un viņu ģimenes locekļi, kā arī kārtību, kādā minētās personas izraida no Latvijas Republikas. 2. Noteikumu mērķis ir īstenot personu brīvas pārvietošanās principu. 3.3. a relative in direct ascending line of the Union citizen or his or her spouse who is a dependant of a Union citizen or his or her spouse 1. These Regulations prescribe the procedures for the entry into and residence in the Republic of Latvia of Citizens of European Union Member States, European Economic Area States and the Swiss Confederation (hereinafter Union citizens) and their family members, as well as the procedures by which the persons referred to are expelled from the Republic of Latvia. 1. These Regulations prescribe the procedures for the entry into and residence in the Republic of Latvia of Citizens of European Union Member States, European Economic Area States and the Swiss Confederation (hereinafter Union citizens) and their family members, as well as the procedures by which the persons referred to are expelled from the Republic of Latvia. 2. The purpose of these Regulations is to implement the principle of a person s freedom of movement. Effective transposition. As point (b) of Art. 2.2 has not been transposed the definition does not cover a partner. Effective transposition The Host Member State by meaning of the Regulations is the Republic of Latvia. Effective transposition Latvian legislation does not specify that a family member should accompany or join the Union citizen. Article 16 and 17 R586 refers to third country nationals accompanying and joining the EU citizen. As explained by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, and their family members should be interpreted as together with their family members or travelling alone to join a Union citizen already living in Latvia. Art. 3.2 (a) Without prejudice to any right to free movement and residence the persons concerned may have in their own right, the host Member State shall, in accordance with its national legislation, facilitate entry and residence for the following persons: (a) any other family members, irrespective of their nationality, not falling under the definition in point 2 of Article 2 who, in the country from which Art. 3.4 R586 3. Noteikumu izpratnē Savienības pilsoņa ģimenes loceklis ir: 3.4. persona, kas atrodas Savienības pilsoņa vai viņa laulātā apgādībā un kurai ir bijusi kopīga saimniecība ar Savienības pilsoni viņa iepriekšējā mītnes valstī. 3. Within the meaning of these Regulations a family member of a Union citizen shall be: 3.4. a person who is a dependant of a Union citizen or his or her spouse and who has shared a household with a Union citizen in their previous country of domicile. Incorrect and Incomplet e Incorrect and incomplete transposition Art. 3.4. R586 provides that a family member shall be a person who is a dependant or spouse of a Union citizen and who has shared a household with a Union citizen. Though, the Directive envisages these provisions as two separate conditions. 4/68
they have come, are dependants or members of the household of the Union citizen having the primary right of residence, or where serious health grounds strictly require the personal care of the family member by the Union citizen; Moreover, the part of the provision stating where serious health grounds strictly require the personal care of the family member by the Union citizen is not transposed Article 20 of Law on State Pensions provides that family members of the person shall be considered to have been dependent upon him or her if he or she maintained them or they received assistance from him or her, which was permanent and their main source of the means of existence. Art. 3.2 (b) (b) the partner with whom the Union citizen has a durable relationship, duly attested. The host Member State shall undertake an extensive examination of the personal circumstances and shall justify any denial of entry or residence to these people. NT NT Not transposed. Not transposed. Though, this condition is compulsory for all state institutions under the Act on Administrative Procedures, providing principle of observance of the rights of persons (which means - in administrative proceedings, especially when adopting decisions on the merits, institutions and courts shall, within the scope of the applicable norms of law, facilitate the protection of the rights and legal interests of private persons). In addition according to the principle of not allowing arbitrariness administrative acts and court adjudications may be based on facts such as are necessary for the taking of a decision and on the objective and rational legal considerations arising from such facts). 5/68
Chapter II. RIGHT OF EXIT AND ENTR Art. 4.1 Right of Exit Art. 4.2 Without prejudice to the provisions on travel documents applicable to national border controls, all Union citizens with a valid identity card or passport and their family members who are not nationals of a Member State and who hold a valid passport shall have the right to leave the territory of a Member State to travel to another Member State. No exit visa or equivalent formality may be imposed on the persons to whom paragraph 1 applies. Art. 2 R310 Art. 3 R310 Art 4 R310 Art. 3 R310 2. Valsts robežu šķērsojoša persona ir fiziska persona, kura ieradusies Latvijas Republikas robežkontroles punktā vai robežpārejas punktā, lai šķērsotu valsts robežu (turpmāk persona). 3. Personas šķērso valsts robežu ar derīgiem ceļošanas dokumentiem. 4. Derīgs ceļošanas dokuments šo noteikumu izpratnē ir pase vai cits ceļošanas dokuments 3. Personas šķērso valsts robežu ar derīgiem ceļošanas dokumentiem. 2. A person crossing the State border is a natural person who has arrived at the border control point or border crossing point of the Republic of Latvia in order to cross the State border (hereinafter person). 3. Persons shall cross the State border with valid travel documents. 4. Within the meaning of these Regulations a valid travel document shall be a passport or another travel document 3. Persons shall cross the State border with valid travel documents. Incomplet e Incomplete transposition There is no reference that European Union citizen hall have the right to leave the territory of a Member State to travel to another Member State. Still the transposing Article allows crossing the Latvian border with valid travel documents. The provisions refer to both entry and exit. PIDL provides both passports and identity cards as a travel document. In the expert s view it is incomplete because there is no explicit right to leave the territory granted. Effective transposition. There are no other provisions concerning exiting the country. The valid travel document is the only precondition to exit Latvia and no exit visa is required. Art. 4.3 Member States shall, acting in accordance with their laws, issue to their own nationals, and renew, an identity card or passport stating their nationality. Art. 5.1 (d) PIDL 5. Personas apliecību un pasu saturs (1) Personas apliecības un pases tiek izsniegtas, pamatojoties uz Iedzīvotāju reģistra datiem, un tajās ir iekļauta šāda informācija: 1) par dokumenta turētāju: d) pilsonība vai cits personas tiesiskais statuss Latvijas Republikā, 5. Content of Identity Cards and Passports (1) Identity cards and passports shall be issued on the basis of Population Register data and they shall include the following information: d) nationality or another legal status of the person in the Republic of Latvia, However, there is no special provision for persons to whom Article 4.1 applies, but a general condition for all persons. Effective transposition 6/68 Although it is provided by law that in Latvia passports and identity cards (ID cards) are issued, there is no detailed law or regulation on ID cards duration, renewal and other relevant questions. As explained by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, in practice, it is not yet possible to get the ID card although such opportunity is already provided for by law (i.e. PIDL). It means that despite the fact that Latvia has transposed the provision on issuing ID cards, this provision has not yet
Art.4.4 The passport shall be valid at least for all Member States and for countries through which the holder must pass when travelling between Member States. Where the law of a Member State does not provide for identity cards to be issued, the period of validity of any passport on being issued or renewed shall be not less than five years. Art. 10.2 PIDL 10 (2) Pilsoņa vai nepilsoņa personas apliecības turētājam vai pases turētājam ir tiesības Latvijai saistošos starptautiskajos līgumos un normatīvajos aktos noteiktajā kārtībā izmantot personas apliecību vai pasi par ceļošanas dokumentu. 10 (2) A citizen s or noncitizen s identity card holder or a passport holder has the right to utilise the identity card or passport as a travel document in accordance with the procedures specified in international agreements binding on Latvia and regulatory enactments. been implemented in Latvia. Effective transposition. Since Latvia issues ID cards, the time limite for passports does not apply. ID cards are already provided for by the legislation, and practice will follow soon. The requirements for passports mentioned in the Directive are also fulfilled. Art. 45 R775 45. Pilsoņa pasi un nepilsoņa pasi izsniedz ar šādu derīguma termiņu: 45.1. personai līdz piecu gadu vecumam uz gadu vai ceļojuma laiku, ja tas ilgāks par gadu, bet ne ilgāku par pieciem gadiem; 45.2. personai no piecu gadu vecuma līdz 60 gadu vecumam uz pieciem gadiem; 45.3. personai no 60 gadu vecuma uz 10 gadiem. 45. A citizen s or non-citizen s passports are issued with the following periods of validity: 45.1. for persons up to five years of age one year, or for the duration of a trip where this exceeds one year, but not longer than five years; 45.2. for persons from five years to 60 years of age five years; 45.3. for persons older than 60 years -- 10 years. Latvia follows the EU passport harmonised features. Art. 5.1 Right on Entry 1. Without prejudice to the provisions on travel documents applicable to national border controls, Member States shall grant Union citizens leave to enter their territory with a valid identity card or passport and shall grant family members who are not nationals of a Member State leave to enter their territory with a valid passport. No entry visa or equivalent formality may be imposed on Union citizens. Art. 12 R586 12. Savienības pilsonis un viņa ģimenes loceklis ir tiesīgs ieceļot un uzturēties Latvijas Republikā līdz 90 dienām, skaitot no pirmās ieceļošanas dienas, ja viņam ir derīgs ceļošanas dokuments un viņš nerada draudus valsts drošībai, sabiedriskajai kārtībai vai sabiedrības veselībai. 12. A Union citizen and his or her family member shall be entitled to enter and reside in the Republic of Latvia for up to 90 days counting from the first day of entry if he or she has a valid travel document and he or she does not pose a threat to State security, public order or public health. Effective transposition The right of entry is only limited by reasons of public order, public security and public health in line with Article 27 of the Directive. Effective transposition There are no provisions in Latvian legislation stating that requiring a Union citizen for an entry visa is prohibited. However, there are also no provisions concerning necessity of visa for entry in Latvia for Union 7/68
citizens. Conditions for entry into the Republic of Latvia for a Union citizen are only prescribed by Art. 12 R586 (requiring only a valid travel document). Moreover, according to Administrative Procedure Law, Article 7 (which states that the actions of an institution shall comply with the norms of law and institutions shall operate within the scope of their powers as prescribed by regulatory enactments and may use their powers only in conformity with the meaning and purpose of their empowerment ) there is no right for an institution to ask for a visa if it is not prescribed by law. Art. 5.2 2. Family members who are not nationals of a Member State shall only be required to have an entry visa in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 or, where appropriate, with national law. For the purposes of this Directive, possession of the valid residence card referred to in Article 10 shall exempt such family members from the visa requirement. Art. 15 R586 15. Savienības pilsoņa ģimenes loceklis, kas nav Savienības pilsonis, ir tiesīgs ieceļot un uzturēties Latvijas Republikā līdz 90 dienām, skaitot no pirmās ieceļošanas dienas, ja viņam ir kādā Eiropas Savienības dalībvalstī izsniegta derīga Savienības pilsoņa ģimenes locekļa uzturēšanās atļauja vai saskaņā ar nosacījumiem, kas noteikti Padomes 2001.gada 15.marta Regulā (EK) Nr.539/2001, ar ko uzskaitītas trešās valstis, kuru pilsoņiem, šķērsojot dalībvalstu ārējās robežas, ir jābūt vīzām, kā arī tās trešās valstis, kuru pilsoņi ir atbrīvoti no šīs prasības. 15. A family member of a Union citizen who is not a Union citizen shall be entitled to enter and reside in the Republic of Latvia for up to 90 days counting from the first date of entry if he or she has a valid residence permit for a family member of a Union citizen issued in one of the European Union Member States or in accordance with the provisions specified in Council Regulation (EC) No. 539/2001 of 15 March 2001, in which third countries are listed whose citizens on crossing the external Member State borders require a visa, as well as those third countries whose citizens are exempt from these requirements. Also see Schengen Regulation. Effective transposition. 8/68
Member States shall grant such persons every facility to obtain the necessary visas. Such visas shall be issued free of charge as soon as possible and on the basis of an accelerated procedure. Art. 16 R586 Art 17 R586 Art. 11.2 R217 16. Vīzas pieprasīšanai nav nepieciešams pārvaldē apstiprināts ielūgums, ja attiecīgais Savienības pilsoņa ģimenes loceklis iesniedz radniecību apliecinošus dokumentus un ceļo kopā ar Savienības pilsoni vai vēlas uzturēties kopā ar viņu Latvijas Republikas teritorijā. 17. Ja vīzu nav bijis iespējams saņemt Latvijas Republikas diplomātiskajā vai konsulārajā pārstāvniecībā (turpmāk pārstāvniecība), to var izsniegt Ministru kabineta noteiktajā robežkontroles punktā. 11(2) Ja dokumenti pārstāvniecībā iesniegti pa pastu vai ar pilnvarotas personas starpniecību, amatpersona izvērtē dokumentus un, ja nepieciešams, četru darbdienu laikā pēc dokumentu saņemšanas informē ārzemnieku vai viņa pilnvaroto personu par nepieciešamību iesniegt papildu informāciju vai ierasties uz pārrunām, nosakot datumu, no kura sākot ārzemnieks var ierasties pārstāvniecībā. Ja pēc papildu informācijas iesniegšanas vai pēc pārrunām nav nepieciešams iegūt citu papildu informāciju, amatpersona lēmumu par vīzas izsniegšanu pieņem vienas darbdienas laikā. 16. An invitation approved by the Office shall not be necessary if the relevant family member of a Union citizen submits supporting documentation of kinship and is travelling together with a Union citizen or wishes to reside together with him or her in the territory of the Republic of Latvia. 17. If it has not been possible to receive a visa from the diplomatic or consular mission of the Republic of Latvia (hereinafter mission), this can be issued at a border control point specified by the Cabinet. 11(2) If documents for visa sent to the diplomatic of consular mission, official shall evaluate documents and if necessary during four days after receiving documents shall inform foreigner about necessity for additional information or for a meeting. If after receiving additional information or meeting there are no necessity to obtain other additional information, official shall make a decision on issuing visa during one day. Incomplet e Incomplete transposition Although the issue of the visa at the border control on spot is considered to be accelerated and the procedure in the consular or diplomatic mission, the visa should be issued in five days (if additional information needed). Regarding R217, art. 11.2, there is no clear and explicit provision stating that such visas shall be issued as soon as possible and on the basis of an accelerated procedure. There is no particular facilitation for Article 3(2) family members. Art. 10.6 R222 10. No valsts nodevas samaksas atbrīvo: 10.6. Eiropas Savienības (arī Latvijas Republikas) dalībvalstu, Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas valstu un Šveices Konfederācijas pilsoņu ģimenes locekļus, kas pavada vai 10. The following are exempt from State fees: 10.6. family members of a European Union citizen, European Economic Area citizen and Swiss Confederation citizen, who are entering Latvia from 9/68
Art. 5.3 Art. 5.4 3. The host Member State shall not place an entry or exit stamp in the passport of family members who are not nationals of a Member State provided that they present the residence card provided for in Article 10. 4. Where a Union citizen, or a family member who is not a national of a Member State, does not have the necessary travel documents or, if required, the necessary visas, the Member State concerned shall, before turning them back, give such persons every reasonable opportunity to obtain the necessary documents or have them Article 10(2) Regulation 562/2006 Art. 14 R586 pārceļas uz Latvijas Republiku kopā ar Eiropas Savienības (arī Latvijas Republikas) dalībvalstu, Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas valstu vai Šveices Konfederācijas pilsoni no citas Eiropas Savienības dalībvalsts, Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas valsts vai Šveices Konfederācijas, par vīzas, uzturēšanās atļaujas pieprasīšanai vai reģistrēšanai nepieciešamo dokumentu izskatīšanu, kā arī par uzturēšanās atļaujas atjaunošanu, ja tiek mainīts ceļošanas documents. 14. Ja Savienības pilsonim vai viņa ģimenes loceklim nav Latvijas Republikas valsts robežas šķērsošanai nepieciešamo dokumentu, bet ir iespēja šos dokumentus saņemt pēc ieceļošanas Latvijas Republikā, Valsts robežsardzes priekšnieka pilnvarota amatpersona pieņem other Member State, European Economic Area state or Swiss Confederation state to reside together with the family member who is a European Union, European Economic Area or Swiss Confederation citizen for processing the necessary visa, residence permit application and renewal or for the necessary registration documents examination. 2. The travel documents of nationals of third countries who are members of the family of a Union citizen to whom Directive 2004/38/EC applies, but who do not present the residence card provided for in Article 10 of that Directive, shall be stamped on entry or exit. The travel documents of nationals of third countries who are members of the family of nationals of third countries enjoying the Community right of free movement, but who do not present the residence card provided for in Article 10 of Directive 2004/38/EC, shall be stamped on entry or exit. 14. If the Union citizen or his or her family member does not have the necessary documents for crossing the State border of the Republic of Latvia, but it is possible to receive these documents after entering the Republic of Latvia, an official authorised by the Head of the 10/68 Incomplet e and Incorrect Though, there are no rules or regulations that provide for an entry or exit stamp in the passport of family members who are not nationals of a Member State. Article 10 of Regulation 562/2006 establishes the obligation to stamp only when the family member does not present the residence card. The Regulation is directly applicable in Latvia. Incomplete and incorrect transposition. There is no definition for necessary documents, therefore if interpreting it together with Article 12 R586 necessary documents means travel documents. As the Directive requires that not only travel documents but
brought to them within a reasonable period of time or to corroborate or prove by other means that they are covered by the right of free movement and residence. Art.5.5 5. The Member State may require the person concerned to report his/ her presence within its territory within a reasonable and non-discriminatory period of time. Failure to comply with this requirement may make the person concerned liable to proportionate and non-discriminatory sanctions. Chapter III. RIGHT OF RESIDENCE Art. 6.1 Right of residence up to three months Art. 6.2 1. Union citizens shall have the right of residence on the territory of another Member State for a period of up to three months without any conditions or any formalities other than the requirement to hold a valid identity card or passport. 2. The provisions of paragraph 1 shall also apply to family members in possession of a valid passport who are not nationals of a Member State, Art. 12 R586 Art. 12 R586 lēmumu personai atļaut ieceļot Latvijas Republikā. 12. Savienības pilsonis un viņa ģimenes loceklis ir tiesīgs ieceļot un uzturēties Latvijas Republikā līdz 90 dienām, skaitot no pirmās ieceļošanas dienas, ja viņam ir derīgs ceļošanas dokuments un viņš nerada draudus valsts drošībai, sabiedriskajai kārtībai vai sabiedrības veselībai. 12. Savienības pilsonis un viņa ģimenes loceklis ir tiesīgs ieceļot un uzturēties Latvijas Republikā līdz 90 dienām, skaitot no pirmās State Border Guard shall take a decision allowing the person to enter the Republic of Latvia. 12. A Union citizen and his or her family member shall be entitled to enter and reside in the Republic of Latvia for up to 90 days counting from the first day of entry if he or she has a valid travel document and he or she does not pose a threat to State security, public order or public health. 12. A Union citizen and his or her family member shall be entitled to enter and reside in the Republic of Latvia for up to 90, (Not for jobseekers ) 11/68 other documents can be means of proof, the transposition is not correct. There are also no reference to reasonable period of time for proving their right of free movement and residence. However, Latvian law provides opportunity for Union citizens and their family members to enter the state without necessary documents according to State Border Guard s decision. But only if the document can be obtained in the country (which is not always possible). Therefore, the scope is narrower than the Directive. This is not required in Latvia Effective transposition, except for jobseekers Latvia refers to 90 days instead of 3 months. Travel document includes passport and identity card as prescribed in Article 10.2 PIDL Art. 12 R586 provides that all Union citizens and their family members shall have the right of residence. However, there is no exception for jobseekers. Effective transposition. According to Article 10.2 PIDL valid travel document includes both
Art.7.1 (a) accompanying or joining the Union citizen. Right of residence for more than three months All Union citizens shall have the right of residence on the territory of another Member State for a period of longer than three months if they: (a) are workers or self-employed persons in the host Member State; or Art. 18 R586 Art. 20.1 R586 Art. 20.2 R586 ieceļošanas dienas, ja viņam ir derīgs ceļošanas dokuments un viņš nerada draudus valsts drošībai, sabiedriskajai kārtībai vai sabiedrības veselībai. 18. Ja Savienības pilsonis vēlas uzturēties Latvijas Republikā ilgāk nekā 90 dienas, skaitot no pirmās ieceļošanas dienas, un pastāv šo noteikumu 20.punktā minētie nosacījumi, viņš reģistrējas pārvaldē un saņem reģistrācijas apliecību. 20. Savienības pilsonis ir tiesīgs saņemt reģistrācijas apliecību, ja: 20.1. viņš ir nodarbināts Latvijas Republikā darbinieka statusā; 20.2. viņš ir pašnodarbināta persona Latvijas Republikā; days counting from the first day of entry if he or she has a valid travel document and he or she does not pose a threat to State security, public order or public health. 18. If a Union citizen wishes to reside in the Republic of Latvia for longer than 90 days counting from the first day of entry and the conditions specified in Paragraph 20 of these Regulations are met, he or she shall register in the Office and receive a registration certificate. 20. A Union citizen shall be entitled to receive a registration certificate if he or she: 20.1. is employed in the status of employee in the Republic of Latvia; 20.2. is a self-employed person in the Republic of Latvia; (Not for jobseekers ) passport and identity card. Effective transposition. Despite the difference in language (no direct right is given), these two Articles have to be viewed together: if a Union citizen wishes to reside in Latvia for longer than 90 days, he or she shall register and receive a registration certificate.it means if Union citizen wishes, he or she gets registration card provided he/she meets the conditions (e.g., being a worker, self-employed and so on). For this reason the transposition is considered correct. Art. 7.1.a of the Directive does not cover jobseekers. Art.7.1 (b) (b) have sufficient resources for themselves and their family members not to become a burden on the social assistance system of the host Member State during their period of residence and have comprehensive sickness insurance cover in the host Member State; or Art. 20.5 R586 20.5. viņam ir pietiekams iztikas nodrošinājums, lai nekļūtu par apgrūtinājumu sociālās palīdzības sistēmai, un derīga Eiropas veselības apdrošināšanas karte, Eiropas Savienības dalībvalsts vai Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas valsts izsniegta izziņa, ka persona Latvijas Republikā ir tiesīga saņemt medicīnisko palīdzību valsts garantētajā apjomā, vai derīga veselības apdrošināšanas polise; 20.5. has a sufficient level of subsistence to avoid becoming a burden on the social assistance system and a valid European Health Insurance Card, a statement issued by a European Union Member State or European Economic Area State that the person in the Republic of Latvia is entitled to receive medical assistance in the amount guaranteed by the State or a valid health insurance policy; Effective transposition As to the necessity to have sufficient level of subsistence for family members, Article 30.3 R586 requires the family member of Union citizen to prove that they are covered by health insurance and have a sufficient level of subsistence to not become a burden on the social assistance system. A statement issued by a European Union Member State or European Economic Area State that the person in the Republic of Latvia is entitled to receive medical assistance in the amount guaranteed by the State 12/68
Art.7.1 (c) (c) - are enrolled at a private or public establishment, accredited or financed by the host Member State on the basis of its legislation or administrative practice, for the principal purpose of following a course of study, including vocational training; and - have comprehensive sickness insurance cover in the host Member State and assure the relevant national authority, by means of a declaration or by such equivalent means as they may choose, that they have sufficient resources for themselves and their family members not to become a burden on the social assistance system of the host Member State during their period of residence; or Art. 20.4 R586 20.4. viņš iegūst izglītību akreditētā izglītības iestādē Latvijas Republikā un Art. 20.4 R586 viņam ir pietiekams iztikas nodrošinājums, lai nekļūtu par apgrūtinājumu sociālās palīdzības sistēmai, un derīga Eiropas veselības apdrošināšanas karte, Eiropas Savienības dalībvalsts vai Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas valsts izsniegta izziņa, ka persona Latvijas Republikā ir tiesīga saņemt medicīnisko palīdzību valsts garantētajā apjomā, vai veselības apdrošināšanas polise. Pietiekams iztikas nodrošinājums šo noteikumu izpratnē ir ikmēneša ienākumi, kas ir lielāki par 50 % no attiecīgajā laikposmā spēkā esošās minimālās darba algas; 20.4. acquires his or her education in an accredited educational establishment in the Republic of Latvia and he or she has a sufficient level of subsistence to avoid becoming a burden on the social assistance system and a valid European Health Insurance Card, a statement issued by a European Union Member State or European Economic Area State that the person in the Republic of Latvia is entitled to receive medical assistance in the amount guaranteed by the State or a health insurance policy. For the purpose of these Regulations a sufficient level of subsistence shall be a monthly income that is greater than 50% of the minimum wage in force for the relevant period of time; Incomplet e Incomplet e 13/68 provided for in Art. 20.5 R586 means any kind of statement (reference, notice) of any competent authority of relevant EU State which can confirm that this person has right to receive medical assistance. This statement, a valid European Health Insurance card or a valid health insurance policy, prescribed in Art. 20.5 R586, are considered to be as means of proofs of comprehensive sickness insurance mentioned in the Directive. Incomplete transposition The transposing provision does not covers vocational training, but only accredited educational establishment. Incomplete transposition As to the necessity to have sufficient level of subsistence for family members Article 30.3 R586 requires the family member of Union citizen to prove that they are covered by health insurance and have a sufficient level of subsistence to not become a burden on the social assistance system. A statement issued by a European Union Member State or European Economic Area State that the person in the Republic of Latvia is entitled to receive medical assistance in the amount guaranteed by the State provided for in Art. 20.4 R586 means any kind of statement (reference, notice) of any competent authority of relevant EU State which can confirm that this person has right to receive medical assistance. This statement, a
valid European Health Insurance card or a valid health insurance policy,, prescribed in Art. 20.4 R586 are considered to be as proofs of comprehensive sickness insurance mentioned in the Directive. In Latvian law there are no detailed criteria for the way to prove their sufficient resources. Article 21.2 R586 requires to submit a declaration that one of the conditions specified in Paragraph 20 of these Regulations is in existence to receive a registration certificate.. No other documents are required and no explanation, what a declaration means. Latvian legislation does not provide the opportunity to prove such resources by equivalent means as they may choose. Latvian legislation provides a definition of sufficient resourses that may lead de facto to stating a fixed amount, which is contrary to the Directive. There is no reference that this is only an indicative amount or subject to consideration. Although Article 48.1 R586 states that on evaluating whether a person is an unreasonable burden on the social assistance system, the length of residence of a person in the Republic of Latvia, the amount of benefit, the frequency of it being requested as well as the reason for requesting social assistance shall be taken into account, it should be noted that this Article refers to the evaluation procedure for an expulsion decision, not for issuing a registration certificate. 14/68
Art.7.1 (d) Art. 7.2 Art. 7.3 (a) (d) are family members accompanying or joining a Union citizen who satisfies the conditions referred to in points (a), (b) or (c). 2. The right of residence provided for in paragraph 1 shall extend to family members who are not nationals of a Member State, accompanying or joining the Union citizen in the host Member State, provided that such Union citizen satisfies the conditions referred to in paragraph 1(a), (b) or (c). 3. For the purposes of paragraph 1(a), a Union citizen who is no longer a worker or self-employed person shall retain the status of worker or self-employed person in the following circumstances: (a) he/she is temporarily unable to work as the result of an illness or accident; Art. 28 R586 Art. 28 R586 Art. 22.1 R586 28. Tiesības uzturēties Latvijas Republikā kopā ar Savienības pilsoni, kurš uzturas Latvijā saskaņā ar šo noteikumu 20.punktu, ir arī Savienības pilsoņa ģimenes loceklim. 28. Tiesības uzturēties Latvijas Republikā kopā ar Savienības pilsoni, kurš uzturas Latvijā saskaņā ar šo noteikumu 20.punktu, ir arī Savienības pilsoņa ģimenes loceklim. 22. Savienības pilsonis saglabā darbinieka vai pašnodarbinātas personas statusu Latvijas Republikā, ja: 22.1. viņš uz laiku ir darbnespējīgs slimības vai nelaimes gadījuma dēļ; 28. A family member of a Union citizen shall also have the right to reside in the Republic of Latvia together with a Union citizen who is residing in Latvia in accordance with Paragraph 20 of these Regulations. 28. A family member of a Union citizen shall also have the right to reside in the Republic of Latvia together with a Union citizen who is residing in Latvia in accordance with Paragraph 20 of these Regulations. 22. A Union citizen shall maintain the status of employee or self-employed in the Republic of Latvia if he or she: 22.1. is incapable of work for a period of time due to illness or accident; Effective transposition. Latvian law provides right to reside in Republic of Latvia for family members of a Union citizen that has a right to reside under Paragraph 20 (which are the conditions under Article 7(a)-(c) of the Directive). Effective transposition. This provision does not make distinction between a family member who is a Union citizen and family member who is not national of a Member State. However notice that paragraphs 1(a), (b) and (c) of Article 7.2. of the Directive are not properly transposed. Almost literal transposition Art. 7.3 (b) (b) he/she is in duly recorded involuntary unemployment after having been employed for more than one year and has registered as a jobseeker with the relevant employment office; Art. 22.2 R586 22.2. viņš ir reģistrēts Nodarbinātības valsts aģentūrā bezdarbnieka vai darba meklētāja statusā, līdz reģistrācijai ir bijis nodarbināts ilgāk par gadu un nodarbinātības pārtraukums iestājies no viņa neatkarīgu apstākļu dēļ; 22.2. is registered in the State Employment Agency in the status of unemployed or jobseeker, has been in employment for more than a year up to registration and a break in employment has arisen due to circumstances beyond his or her control; Effective transposition Art. 7.3 (c) (c) he/she is in duly recorded involuntary unemployment after completing a fixedterm employment contract of less than a year or after having become involuntarily Art. 22.3 R586 22.3. viņš ir reģistrēts Nodarbinātības valsts aģentūrā kā bezdarbnieks vai darba meklētājs pirmo 12 mēnešu laikā pēc darba 22.3. is registered in the State Employment Agency as unemployed or a job-seeker in the first 12 months after Incorrect 15/68 Incorrect transposition Unemployed is definitely broader than involuntary unemployment by
unemployed during the first twelve months and has registered as a job-seeker with the relevant employment office. In this case, the status of worker shall be retained for no less than six months; uzsākšanas. Šādā gadījumā darbinieka statusu Savienības pilsonim saglabā līdz sešiem mēnešiem; commencing employment. In such an event employment status shall be maintained by the Union citizen for up to six months; or, covering both also voluntary. Thus, this part is more favourable treatment. Latvian provision is broader - in the first 12 months after commencing employment it definitely includes also situation when there is a fixed term contract of less than a year; when, if such contract is completed, he/she becomes a job-seeker. Art.7.3 (d) (d) he/she embarks on vocational training. Unless he/she is involuntarily unemployed, the retention of the status of worker shall require the training to be related to the previous employment. Art. 22.4 R586 22.4. viņš ir uzsācis ar iepriekšējo nodarbinātību saistītas profesionālās izglītības apguvi Izglītības iestāžu reģistrā reģistrētā profesionālās izglītības iestādē. 22.4. has commenced the acquirement of vocational education associated with previous employment in a vocational educational establishment registered in the Educational Establishment Register. Incomplet e Latvian legislation specifies six months for retaining the status of worker as a maximum, which is contrary to the Directive prescribing that the status of worker shall be retained for no less than six months. This is theoretically correct and accepted by the European Commission, though not an optimal transposition. Incomplete transposition The exception in the case of involuntary unemployment is not transposed. Art. 7.4 4. By way of derogation from paragraphs 1(d) and 2 above, only the spouse, the registered partner provided for in Article 2(2)(b) and dependent children shall have the right of residence as family members of a Union citizen meeting the conditions under 1(c) above. Article 3(2) shall apply to his/her dependent direct relatives in the ascending lines and those of his/her spouse or registered partner., More favourable More favourable treatment Latvian legislation does not limit the scope of family members in the case of students. Therefore it is more favourable treatment. 16/68
Art. 8.1 Administrative formalities for Union citizens 1. Without prejudice to Article 5(5), for periods of residence longer than three months, the host Member State may require Union citizens to register with the relevant authorities. Art. 18. R586 18. Ja Savienības pilsonis vēlas uzturēties Latvijas Republikā ilgāk nekā 90 dienas, skaitot no pirmās ieceļošanas dienas, un pastāv šo noteikumu 20.punktā minētie nosacījumi, viņš reģistrējas pārvaldē un saņem reģistrācijas apliecību. 18. If a Union citizen wishes to reside in the Republic of Latvia for longer than 90 days counting from the first day of entry and the conditions specified in Paragraph 20 of these Regulations are met, he or she shall register in the Office and receive a registration certificate. (Not for hobseeker s) Effective transposition. Latvia requires registration There is no exception for job seekers. Art. 8.2 2. The deadline for registration may not be less than three months from the date of arrival. A registration certificate shall be issued immediately, stating the name and address of the person registering and the date of the registration. Failure to comply with the registration requirement may render the person concerned liable to proportionate and non-discriminatory sanctions. Art. 5 R586 Art. 35 R586 5. Ja Savienības pilsonis vai viņa ģimenes loceklis, kurš ir Savienības pilsonis, uzturas Latvijas Republikā noteiktu laiku, viņam izsniedz reģistrācijas apliecību. Reģistrācijas apliecībā iekļauj šādu informāciju: 5.1. reģistrācijas apliecības numuru; 5.2. personas uzvārdu un vārdu (vārdus); 5.3. personas kodu; 5.4. reģistrācijas datumu; 5.5. norādīto dzīvesvietu. 35. Savienības pilsonis dokumentus reģistrācijas apliecības pieprasīšanai iesniedz 90 dienu laikā, skaitot no pirmās ieceļošanas dienas. 5. If the Union citizen or his or her family member, who is a Union citizen, resides in the Republic of Latvia for a specified period, he or she shall be issued with a registration certificate. The registration certificate shall include the following information: 5.1. number of the registration certificate; 5.2. the person s surname and given name (names); 5.3. personal identity number; 5.4. the date of registration; and, 5.5. the declared place of residence. 35. A Union citizen shall submit documents requesting a registration certificate within 90 days, counting from the first day of entry. Incorrect Incorrect transposition The Directive is transposed in a more stringent manner, because Latvian legislation provides that a registration certificate includes not only the name, address and date of registration as prescribed by the Directive, but also the number of the registration certificate and the personal identity number. Latvian legislation also provides 90 days instead of three months. 90 days could be considered acceptable. The specified period referred to in Article 5 is 90 days since Article 18 explains Article 5. It is not prescribed in Regulations what the consequence is if the person does not submit the documents in time. Art. 8.3 3. For the registration certificate to be issued, Member States may only require that Union citizens to whom point (a) of Article 7(1) applies present a valid Art. 40 R586 Art. 21.2 R586 40. Reģistrācijas apliecību Savienības pilsonim izsniedz nekavējoties pēc visu šajā likumā minēto dokumentu iesniegšanas. 21. Reģistrācijas apliecības pieprasīšanai Savienības pilsonis uzrāda derīgu ceļošanas dokumentu un iesniedz: 40. A registration certificate shall be issued to a Union citizen immediately after submission of all documents specified in this Law. 21. To request a registration certificate the Union citizen shall present a valid travel document and submit the following: Incorrect 21.1. noteikta parauga anketu 21.1. a specified form in 17/68 Incorrect transposition Article 8.3 of the Directive has been transposed in a stricter manner - Article 21.1 R586 asks for a specified