On 18 and 19 September, the UK Remigration and Entrepreneurship Forum took place in London, giving members of the Latvian diaspora an opportunity to learn about returning to Latvia and the support available to remigrants. Anete Briņeca, Remigration Coordinator of the Zemgale Planning Region, also took part in the events, presenting the support provided by regional remigration coordinators.
At the Latvian House of the Daugavas Vanagi Foundation in London, the Riga Planning Region, in cooperation with the Daugavas Vanagi Foundation, brought together members of the diaspora for an event dedicated to returning to Latvia. During the event, Daina Šulca, Remigration Coordinator of the Riga Planning Region, and Anete Briņeca, Remigration Coordinator of the Zemgale Planning Region, presented the remigration programme and the practical support available to those planning to move back to Latvia.
“Remigration is not just about moving – it is an opportunity for a new beginning, and we, as coordinators, are there to support people every step of the way. Every question and every person matter to us,” emphasises Anete Briņeca, Remigration Coordinator of the Zemgale Planning Region.
Diaspora representatives learned about employment and housing opportunities, as well as individual support available at different stages of the return process, tailored to each person’s needs and their chosen municipality. EURES adviser Zane Meļķe provided information on formalities and pension-related matters that should be addressed while still in the United Kingdom. Remigrants who have already returned to Latvia also shared their experiences, with participants hearing more than ten personal stories about returning to Latvia and living in the United Kingdom.
London also hosted the 14th annual meeting of leaders of Latvian diaspora organisations and schools at the Embassy of Latvia in the United Kingdom. The meeting was attended by Atis Lots, Ambassador of Latvia to the United Kingdom, as well as representatives of the State Education Development Agency, the State Employment Agency and the Ministry of Defence. Participants were introduced to educational opportunities for young people in the diaspora, as well as the latest developments in employment, national defence and remigration.
Since 2018, regional remigration coordinators have provided individual support to Latvian nationals living abroad who are considering returning to Latvia. Between 2018 and 2025, a total of 19,376 individual offers were prepared for potential remigrants across Latvia, while 6,190 people returned to Latvia with the coordinators’ advisory support. On average, each regional coordinator provides support to approximately 500 people per year, making the work of regional remigration coordinators an important contribution to attracting human resources back to Latvia.
Remigration support activities are implemented in accordance with the Regional Policy Guidelines 2021–2027 of the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development, which identify the promotion of remigration as one of the key directions of Latvia’s regional policy.