Strategic Initiative No. FM2022/68 (EEZ/NOFI/DIV) “Support measures in Latvia for solving European refugee crisis, primarily the needs of Ukrainian civilians” of Fund for Bilateral Relations of the European Economic area Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism for the period 2014-2021
For the implementation of the initiative, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs receives a grants of EUR 120 000 from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway under EEA and Norwegian grants.
Funding allocated to the implementation of the initiative: EUR 34 165 (including 100% under EEA and Norway grants 2014-2021)
The aim of the initiative is to support Ukrainian civilians and nationals of other countries seeking help in Latvia due to the war in Ukraine caused by the Russian Federation.
Period of implementation of the initiative: 01/10/2022 – 30/04/2025
Activities of the initiative:
- Provision of support to Ukrainian civilians
In providing support to Ukrainian civilians who request international or temporary protection in Latvia or entry Latvia as a transit country before the arrival at another country where the person aims to receive protection, persons will be ensured with food, hygiene, household items, as well as personal protective equipment (masks, respirators), COVID-19 tests, etc.
- Ensuring the timely issuance of identity documents to Ukrainian civilians by conducting informational activities
As part of this activity, a communication campaign will be implemented to inform Ukrainian civilians about the opportunities and obligations related to obtaining identity documents to acquire or extend temporary protection status and ensure legal residence in Latvia.
Planned results of the implementing the initiative:
- Around 800 Ukrainian civilians have received the necessary support measures (the number of beneficiaries depends on the flow of refugees).
- A communication campaign will be carried out to inform Ukrainian civilians residing in Latvia about the need to renew identity documents, as well as to inform Ukrainian civilians arriving in Latvia for the first time about the process of applying for initial temporary protection status.
Achieved results on 31/12/2023:
- until the end of 2023, support was provided to 699 Ukrainian civilians (in 2022- to 490 persons, in 2023- to 209 persons);
- during this period, in total 362 food packages were issued, hygiene items were purchased, including personal protective equipment (face masks and respirators), Covid-19 tests and household items for cleaning the premises were purchased;
- throughout this period laundry services (cleaning of bed linen, towels, blankets, pillows) for Ukrainians accommodated in the Asylum Seekers Accommodation Center were received;
- procurement announced in order to purchase equipment for 6 identity document issuing workplaces.
Achieved results on 31/01/2025:
- By the end of 2024, support was provided to 900 Ukrainian civilians (in 2022 to 490 people, in 2023 to 209 people, and in 2024 to 201 people).
- A total of 593 food packages were distributed during this period, along with the purchase of hygiene products and cleaning supplies for facility maintenance.
- Throughout the period, regular laundry services (cleaning of bed linens, towels, blankets, and pillows) were provided to Ukrainians accommodated in the Asylum Seekers Accommodation Center.
- A price survey was conducted for implementing a communication campaign aimed at informing Ukrainian civilians about the need to extend their temporary protection status.
The project is completed. Achieved results on 30/04/2025:
- in total, during the implementation of the initiative, by April 30, 2025, support has been provided to 980 Ukrainian civilians (490 persons in 2022, 209 persons in 2023, 201 persons in 2024, and 80 persons by April 30, 2025);
- by April 30, 2025, a total of 620 food packages have been distributed, and hygiene products and cleaning supplies for facility maintenance have been purchased and distributed;
- during the implementation of the initiative, laundry services (cleaning of bed linen, towels, blankets, and pillows) have been regularly provided to Ukrainians accommodated at the Asylum Seekers Accommodation Center;
- a communication campaign has been carried out to inform Ukrainian civilians about the need to extend their temporary protection status. As part of the campaign, the following materials were developed: 2 graphic videos, 2 infographics, examples of filling out 3 digital questionnaires, 4 press releases, and 8 social media posts with visuals.
Contacts:
Daina Auziņa-Lopatinska
Manager of implementing the initiative
e-mail: daina.auzina-lopatinska@pmlp.gov.lv
phone: +371 67219007