Analytics, Employment, Latvia

While in 2008 2,913 work invitations were approved at SEA branches, in 2009 the number was only 1,156. The demand for foreign workers progressively decreased throughout 2009. In the first quarter, 478 work invitations were approved, in the second quarter - 301, in the third - 214, while in the fourth quarter only 163 work invitations were made, LETA informs.

The SEA stressed that the fall in work invitations was observed in all sectors; however, the largest reduction in demand occurred in the construction field. While in 2008, 823 work invitations were made in the construction sector, in 2009 - only 62. Likewise, in the manufacturing industry the number fell from 1,146 to 475.

The majority - 475 - of invited foreign workers were employed in manufacturing, with 289 in the transport/storage sector, 137 in hospitality/catering, 62 in construction, and 40 in trade and other areas.

In the previous year, work invitations were confirmed at SEA branches for 659 workers from Ukraine, 181 from Russia, 48 from Belarus, 46 from India, 43 from Moldova, 31 from China, 23 from Armenia, 13 from Thailand, 9 from Uzbekistan, as well as for workers from other countries.

The SEA believes that with the existing high level of unemployment, employers will be able to successfully find the necessary people and fill work vacancies with local workers, with foreigners only been invited to work in specific areas, such as shipbuilding and catering. With the start of economic recovery, the proportion of foreign workers could rise; however, the SEA stressed that it would be premature to predict a sharp increase in the number of foreign workers in 2010.

In order to protect Latvia's labor interests and rights in cases where an employer intends to employ a foreign worker, the work invitation can only be approved if the job vacancy has been registered at a branch of the SEA and remains vacant for no less than a month after registration. If it is not possible to find a suitable local person for the position within one month, the employer gains the right to employ a foreign specialist.

Work invitations for citizens of third countries who wish to establish employment relations in Latvia must be approved by the SEA. However, work permits are issued by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.