Implementation of the Strategic Initiatives No. FM2022/68 (EEA/Norway) "Support Measures in Latvia for addressing the European refugee crisis, primarily for the needs of Ukrainian civilians" within the European Economic Area Financial Instrument and the Norwegian Financial Instrument for the period 2014-2021.
The aim of the initiative is to provide support to Ukrainian civilians and nationals of other countries who, due to the war in Ukraine caused by the Russian Federation, seek help in Latvia.
For the implementation of the initiative, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) receives a grant of EUR 120,000 from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway within the EEA and Norway Grants framework.
Funding allocated for the implementation of the initiative: EUR 120,000 (including 100% from the EEA and Norway Grants for the period 2014-2021)
Implementation period of the initiative: 01.10.2022 - 31.12.2024.
Initiative activities:
- Providing support to Ukrainian civilians. By providing support to Ukrainian civilians who apply for international or temporary protection in Latvia or use Latvia as a transit country to travel to another country for the purpose of receiving protection, individuals are provided with access to food, hygiene products, household goods, as well as personal protective equipment (masks, respirators), Covid-19 tests, and other goods.
- Ensuring the processing and issuance of identification documents: The activity involves the purchase and integration of 6 workstations to ensure the processing and issuance of identification documents mainly to Ukrainian civilians, allowing them to legally reside in Latvia and access healthcare, education, accommodation services, as well as employment rights.
Expected results of the initiative implementation:
- Essential support provided to approximately 1000 Ukrainian civilians (number of beneficiaries depends on the refugee influx).
- Acquisition and integration of 6 specific workstations for the issuance of residence permits and asylum seeker identity documents, to ensure:
- Issuance of residence permits to Ukrainian civilians seeking international or temporary protection in Latvia;
- Issuance of identity documents for asylum seekers, primarily Ukrainians and other third-country civilians (asylum seekers);
- Issuance of residence permits to third-country nationals wishing to relocate their business to Latvia due to the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine.
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.
Contactperson:
Initiative Implementation Manager:
Daina Auziņa-Lopatinska
Phone +371 67219007
E-mail: daina.auzina-lopatinska@pmlp.gov.lv