According to Eurostat's Migration and migrant population statistics, as of 1 January 2022 there are approximately 238 300 third-country nationals (TCNs) living in Latvia (representing 12.7% of the population), and another 13 100 EU citizens (6.6%).

In 2021, 45.3% of residence permits in Latvia were issued for work, 26.4% for family reunification, and 17% for study purposes, according to the European Migration Network (EMN)’s 2022 country factsheet for Latvia. In addition, the statistics made available through the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, the Central Statistics Bureau, and the Ministry of Culture count 97 853 TCNs in 2022 (49 958 with a temporary residence permit and 47 895 with a permanent residence permit as of 1 July 2023). Most of them come from neighbouring states such as Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. The national statistics also reflect the category of ‘non-citizens’, which encompasses more than 9% of the population (175 401).

In terms of naturalisation, 771 TCNs received Latvian citizenship in 2021, as opposed to 1 042 and 1 535 in 2020 and 2019 respectively. Other detailed statistical data is available in the EMN 2022 country factsheet for Latvia, with insights about the age and gender of TCNs, most common types of residence permits issued and international protection statistics. Aggregated data on Latvian citizens with a migrant background are available on the OCMA website.

By the end of October 2023, Latvia had welcomed a total of 43 330 non-EU citizens who had fled the war against Ukraine and were under temporary protection – see monthly updates in the numbers of temporary protection beneficiaries on Eurostat.

The recent OECD/EC Indicators of Immigrant Integration 2023: Settling In report provides further breakdowns of the composition of migrant populations and households in Latvia, including in terms of immigration flows by legal category, concentration in densely populated areas, duration of stay, and household composition.

Actions for the integration and social inclusion of people with a migrant background are set out in the 2021-2027 Guidelines for the Development of a Cohesive and Civically Active Society and the 2022-2023 Plan for the Development of a Cohesive and Civically Active Society. Currently, an action plan for the next planning period is being developed by a cross-sectoral working group led by the Ministry of Culture. In addition, in 2023 Latvia developed an Action Plan for the reduction of racism and anti-Semitism.

These documents stress the importance of taking a systemic approach to the development of a cohesive society and the integration of newcomers, through actions aimed at promoting learning of the Latvian language and acquiring knowledge on Latvian history and traditions, as well as democratic values. The current plan acknowledges the need to improve the availability of language and integration courses for newcomers. It also covers a range of services, including language and cultural orientation courses for newcomers, and intercultural communication courses for various professionals.

In addition to the overarching guidelines and related action plan, in 2015, the government laid out an Action Plan for Persons Who Need International Protection. The document includes a section on immediate reception and socio-economic inclusion as well as several other tailored activities for asylum seekers, such as language and integration classes, access to education and training programmes for minors, and the provision of mentoring support services. Several of the activities intended in this action plan were funded through project funding. Social worker and social mentor services are to be continued in 2024, implemented by the Society Integration Foundation.

Latvia has an informal integration programme for TCNs and BIPs, which consists of:

• language courses
• integration/sociocultural orientation courses
• individual consultations on the issues of employment, education, migration, legal matters etc.
• interpretation services
• psychological services

The general programme is funded by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), overseen by the Ministry of Culture (an updated list of funded projects is available here). Currently, the main implementing actors are One-Stop Shops such as the Society Integration Foundation, NGO Shelter Safe House, the Latvian Language Agency, NGO Innovation Support Centre, NGO Education Development Centre and the University of Daugavpils.

BIPs are entitled to receive mentoring support services during their integration process. These services are part of the Action Plan for Persons Who Need International Protection and are currently provided by Caritas Latvia. The State Employment Agency offers individual employment guidance to BIPs as part of the 2015 Action Plan.

The arrival of displaced people from Ukraine led to the development of additional integration services, specifically aimed at beneficiaries of temporary protection. The Society Integration Foundation offers tailored Latvian language classes and social guidance. Funding for assistance staff in schools for children from Ukraine was available until October 2023.

According to the Action Plan for Movement and Admission in Latvia for Persons who Need International Protection, during the asylum procedure asylum seekers have access to a programme of socio-economic inclusion services with introductory courses regarding Latvia. These include practical information about apartment market, social norms, employment, education, health care system, social security network, and more. Asylum seekers are also entitled to 120 hours of Latvian language courses while in the reception centres. In addition, 3 months into their asylum seeking process a social worker provides support and an introduction to a socio-economic inclusion plan. Social mentors who provide support in everyday situations also are available for asylum seekers. 

In 2018, the Oxford Research Baltics conducted an impact evaluation of the 2012-2018 Guidelines on National Identity, Civil Society and Integration Policy. The study, which was commissioned by the culture ministry, pointed out that the objective of promoting integration within civil society had been only partially achieved. As a matter of fact, owing to a lack of funding and institutional capacity many planned activities were ultimately not implemented. The evaluation report also stressed the need for a more horizontal approach to integration, meaning that finding potential synergies with other relevant policies - such as the 2021-2027 National Development Plan – during planning stages, could advance integration policies’ outcomes. Furthermore, the document suggested the creation of integration policies tailored for different target groups, such as foreigners, asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection, people with disabilities, and others.

In addition Providus, the Centre for Public Policy, carried out an evaluation of current integration services (e.g., language and integration courses, information sessions and individual counselling) available to TCNs and BIPs during the first phase of the 2014-2020 national integration programme. Its evaluation report highlighted the need to improve outreach actions informing target groups about available courses and suggested the creation of a joint online platform for more efficient administration, coordination, and evaluation of integration services. Finally, the report recommended diversifying the language training offer by introducing additional alternatives to the current 120-hour course.

A study conducted in 2020 that presented some recommendations for measuring the impact of the 2021-2027 Guidelines for the Development of a Cohesive and Civically Active Society also indicates a set of indicators useful for the regular monitoring of integration activities.

In addition, the international Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) points out that, just like in most Central and Eastern European countries, migrants in Latvia enjoy basic rights, but not equal opportunities. The country's approach to integration is therefore classified as providing ‘equality on paper’, with Latvia receiving 37 of a possible 100 points on the MIPEX 2020 scale, below the average score of 49.

Finally, Latvia is one of the 14 countries included in the National Integration Evaluation Mechanism (NIEM) that measures refugee integration policies in 14 EU Member States and establishes a framework for evidence-based policymaking. Latvia scores 50.7 across indicators on the NIEM scale of 100, and is therefore described as a ‘moderately supportive’ country.

Law on foreigners

The relevant immigration legislative framework was first adopted in 2002 and amended in 2023. The regulation establishes the procedure for the entry, transit and stay of TCNs. The Latvian Parliament is expected to decide on further amendments following a second reading that took place in autumn 2023.

Asylum law

Latvia’s first Law on Asylum Seekers and Refugees was adopted in 1997. The law went through consequent reforms in 2009 and 2013.

A new asylum law was adopted at the end of 2015, giving the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs the responsibility of interviewing asylum seekers and deciding their migration status. In 2017, new amendments brought about a reduction in the amount and duration of social benefits allocated to BIPs. Furthermore, registration at the State Employment Agency became compulsory for those receiving social benefits. In 2021, an eID card was introduced for asylum seekers as digital identity tool.

Integration law

Latvia does not currently have a self-standing integration law.

Citizenship law

Latvian citizenship legislation was adopted in 1994 and went through multiple amendments until 2013. The latest ones introduced the possibility of acquiring dual citizenship for migrants coming from certain countries.

Anti-discrimination law

Latvia does not currently have dedicated anti-discrimination legislation. Discrimination issues are addressed through other measures and the Latvian constitution.

In Latvia, the Ministry of Culture coordinates integration policies. In particular, the Ministry is responsible for the proposal of new policies and the implementation of the Guidelines for a Cohesive and Civically Active Society. Furthermore, it works closely with other key stakeholders to create a cohesive society based on common values and intercultural dialogue. The Ministry of Culture also represents Latvia at the European Integration Network.

The Ministry of Interior’s Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs decides upon asylum applications and residence permits and produces migration statistics.

At the local level, municipalities provide social assistance services and financial support to all disadvantaged groups, including migrants.

There are three consultative bodies engaged in monitoring and advising on the implementation of integration policies in Latvia:

• The Council Overseeing the Implementation of the Guidelines on National Identity, Civil Society and Integration Policy, established in 2013 with the objective of following the implementation of the guidelines and advancing cooperation between state institutions and other actors.
• The National Consultative Council for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals established in 2013, with the mandate to promote discussion and cooperation between institutions on integration matters, as well as to represent TCNs and NGOs in the policy-making process. This council is currently not operational.
• The Advisory Committee of Representatives of Minority Non-Governmental Organizations established in 2006, which promotes the participation of NGOs in the development of new integration policies. Since 2014, the committee is composed of  representatives of different ministries, such as culture and foreign affairs, and migrant organisations.

EU funds

Local authorities and non-profit organisations can benefit from different EU funding tools.  In addition, national and private funds are available to support the implementation of integration and inclusion projects.

Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) in Latvia

• Details: Latvia’s indicative initial allocation for 2021-2027 under AMIF is €31 212 016. So far, approximately €3 644 270 has been spent on integration activities (e.g. language training and the one-stop-shop).
• National managing authority: The Ministry of Interior is the main coordinating authority of the national AMIF programme, while the Ministry of Culture is responsible for its integration strand.

European Social Fund (ESF) in Latvia

• Details: According to the 2021-2027 EU Structural Funds and Cohesion Fund Action Programme, roughly €465 million have been earmarked for different activities aiming to foster employment and social inclusion of vulnerable groups, including BIPs. Additional €42.5 million have been earmarked for social innovation measures enhancing social inclusion of vulnerable groups.
• National managing authority: the managing authority for ESF in Latvia is the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with other relevant institutions.

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to strengthen economic and social cohesion in the EU by correcting regional imbalances

• Details: over € 205.8 million have been earmarked for employment and social inclusion activities under the 2021-2027 EU Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund Action Programme.
• National managing authority: the managing authority for ERDF is the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with other relevant institutions.

Other EU funds for integration available in Latvia

ERASMUS+, the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe

National managing authority: Ministry of Education and Science

Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD), offering material assistance to the most vulnerable or in need

National managing authority: Ministry of Welfare

European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), supporting the development of rural economies and communities

National managing authority: Ministry of Agriculture

European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)

National managing authority: the Ministry of Agriculture; EMFF supports coastal communities in diversifying their economies and finances projects that create jobs and improve the quality of life along European coasts.

The Just Transition Fund to support the territories most affected by the transition towards climate neutrality providing them with tailored support.

National managing authority: Ministry of Finance in implementation partnership with other relevant institutions.

Other Funds

• The Riga City Council Integration project, with calls announced yearly.
• The US Embassy in Latvia’s Small Grants Programme
• The Fund for Capacity Building of NGOs and Advocacy Activities, administered by The Society Integration Foundation
• Active Citizens Fund, a programme of European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Finance Mechanism, aiming to strengthen civil society and active citizenship and empower vulnerable groups

Providing integration services

• Society Integration Foundation
• I Want to Help Refugees
• Society Shelter Safe House

Implementing the integration programme

• Society Shelter Safe House
• Latvian Language Agency
• State Employment Agency (for beneficiaries of international protection, including Ukrainian civilians)
• Education Development Centre
• Innovation Support Centre
• Language courses are provided by various language schools and NGOs on a project basis

Campaigning

• Ministry of Culture
• Society Integration Foundation
• Society Shelter Safe House
• Centre for Public Policy Providus
• Latvian Centre of Human Rights

Publishing statistics

• Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia
• Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs