In a crisis situation, foreign citizens could also be accepted into the Latvian army / Article

The amendments provide for foreign citizens who would like to serve in the NBS after the mobilization exception declared in the country or in the case of martial law, would be required to legally stay in the territory of Latvia and to know the national language or at least one of the official languages ​​of NATO.

Also, the amendments include a list of countries whose citizens will be able to start service in the NBS, as well as they would be subject to similar conditions as are applied to citizens of Latvia who can be mobilized.

In case of general and partial mobilization, citizens of the European Union, the European Free Trade Association or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), as well as citizens of Australia, Brazil, New Zealand or Ukraine, will be able to voluntarily apply for military service in the NBS, the amendments provide.

“Latvia is preparing for various scenarios of military threat, learning from the experience of Ukraine. The aim of this initiative is to organize the regulatory base, so that in the event of a state of emergency or martial law, Latvia could also promptly accept volunteer foreigners in the service in addition to the NATO forces that are already with us. This initiative would strengthen our defense battles capabilities, opening up the opportunity for motivated citizens of other countries to fight in our country,” stated Defense Minister Andris Spruds (“Progressives”).

On the other hand, in order to ensure greater flexibility in the conclusion of professional service contracts and to encourage soldiers to serve until the end of the first contract term, the Minister of Defense will in the future determine the terms of concluding the contract and the conditions under which these terms may differ.

Also, the amendments plan to determine the right of the management of the defense industry to make a decision on increasing the age in the command staff and officer courses. The draft amendment adds to the list of training courses after the completion or deduction of which the soldier does not have to repay the funds used for his training.

In order for the amendments to the law to enter into force, they must still be considered by the Saeima.

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