Public participation is the involvement of citizens, society and non-governmental organizations in the policy-making process. The purpose of public participation is to ensure that decisions taken by public administrations are relevant to the needs of the public, explained in a timely manner and comprehensible to those to whom they will apply. Public participation has a number of benefits, which are generally aimed at improving the quality of regulation - in this process the real problem is identified, possible alternatives are evaluated, possible “side effects” of regulation are identified in time, and the developed solutions are effective.
Representatives of society may express their opinion on the development planning documents, draft legal acts in the initial stage of development thereof, as well as other stages, when the issues topical for the society are solved. Any member of the public affected or interested in the matter to be addressed may give his or her opinion. Every member of the public has the right to receive feedback on their proposal.
Public participation is carried out proactively by public administrations, seeking the most effective ways to involve and inform the public, in particular the public affected or likely to be affected by the proposed activity.
The procedure for public participation is regulated by:
- Development Planning System Law;
- State Administration Structure Law;
- Cabinet Regulations of 25 August 2009 No. 970 “Public Participation Procedures in the Development Planning Process”.
In order to keep the draft legal acts in one place, the Unified draft portal for the development and coordination of legal acts or the TAP portal has been created - https://tapportals.mk.gov.lv/. It is a digital information system where draft legislation is developed, coordinated and approved for government approval. On this portal, anyone can take an active part in drafting legislation - giving an opinion and following the progress of documents. Afterwards, in the open part of the sittings of the Cabinet of Ministers, the decision-making process can be followed - live broadcasts of government sittings are always available: https://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/tiesraide.
On the TAP portal, every member of the public can follow the progress of documents, starting with the idea stage (discussion document) and ending with a specific draft law. The portal is a step towards expanding public participation in the government decision-making process, ensuring the involvement of public representatives (individuals, non-governmental organizations) in the development of key policy documents and legislation from the very beginning. This contributes to the development of better and more publicly agreed government decisions. This innovation promotes openness and access to information about the work of public administration.
State and local government institutions no longer have to post information on documents on the development and coordination process on their websites, in the future everything is stored on the TAP portal and we invite you to follow the development of draft legislation in the new unified system.
The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs is involved in the development of development planning documents and draft legal acts that affect its areas of activity.
If you have any recommendations on the improvement of regulatory enactments being under the competence of the institution, please, send them to the e-mail address: juristi@pmlp.gov.lv.
If you have any additional questions, please, contact with the Legal Department of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (juristi@pmlp.gov.lv), which is responsible for public participation.