With the increasing likelihood of a "no deal" Brexit seeing the United Kingdom crash out of the European Union on October 31, Latvian citizens and their dependents are being urged to register with the UK immigration authorities without delay if they want to remain in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

"For Latvian citizens who plan to stay in the UK after the Brexit , registering will ensure EU citizens' rights and avoid potential complications. Therefore, we invite all Latvian residents who have children, family members, relatives and friends living in the UK to pay close attention to the need to arrange their legal status in a timely manner. Registration is free and easy to do online," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Information from the UK Home Office indicates that Latvian citizens are not being very active in applying for "permanent status". As of July 31, only 31,800 Latvian citizens had registered, although according to official figures at least 117,000 Latvian citizens live in the UK.

More information about the various application forms and different statuses by EU citizens might be designated by the UK authorities post-Brexit is available at the UK Home Office website.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on other ministries, the Latvian Central Bank , the Latvian Employers' Confederation and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to update their action plans for a no-deal Brexit. At the moment, the Foreign Ministry is preparing a report on Latvia's readiness for such an eventuality, which will be presented at the September 17 cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile a demonstration by British citizens in Latvia against Prime Minister Boris Johnson's suspension of parliament is planned outside the British Embassy in Rīga on Saturday August 31 at 13:00.