On 14 October 2026, a professional development seminar for librarians from across Talsi Municipality took place at Talsi Main Library. Agnese Berģe, Regional Return Migration Coordinator at the Kurzeme Planning Region, participated in the event, introducing librarians to the support available to people considering a return to Latvia, the work of return migration coordinators and practical information that may be useful when assisting local residents with a range of everyday matters.
Libraries play an important role in local communities, and librarians regularly help residents find information and answers to a wide variety of questions. The aim of the meeting was therefore not only to introduce librarians to return migration support opportunities, but also to demonstrate how this knowledge could be useful in their everyday work. When questions arise about returning to Latvia, librarians can also provide valuable information, helping residents navigate the available support options and, where necessary, get in touch with a return migration coordinator.
During her presentation, Ms Berģe provided an overview of the day-to-day work of return migration coordinators in the Kurzeme Planning Region and the support available to people considering moving back to Latvia. She outlined the key considerations when planning a return, the practical steps to take before relocating and the challenges that return migrants may face when settling back into everyday life in Latvia.
The presentation also covered the involvement of local authorities in Kurzeme in providing return migration support, employment and housing opportunities, children's integration into Latvia's education system, opportunities to learn Latvian and other practical matters relevant to return migrants and their families.
Following the presentation, an engaging discussion took place, during which Ms Berģe answered questions from librarians and shared practical examples from her experience, including stories of people returning to Latvia and successfully starting businesses in Kurzeme.
In addition to the information shared during Ms Berģe's presentation, librarians were provided with information materials about return migration opportunities and available support services. These resources can be used in their everyday work when assisting residents who are considering returning to Talsi Municipality or elsewhere in Kurzeme.
The seminar also covered a range of other relevant topics. Kristīne Ernestovska, Financial Consultant at Swedbank, provided information about the first, second and third pillars of Latvia's pension system, inheritance options for pension savings and other financial matters. Daina Vasioleka, Career Adviser at the Talsi Branch of the State Employment Agency, introduced the agency's services, while Jana Robalde, Head of the Finance and Accounting Department at Talsi Municipality, presented information about the municipality's 2027 budget.
Meetings of this kind help strengthen information sharing and cooperation with local institutions, making information about return migration support more accessible to a wider range of residents. Librarians' regular contact with local communities can provide a valuable complement to the work of return migration coordinators, helping people find out where to seek the support they need when planning their return to Latvia.
About the Work of Return Migration Coordinators
If you are considering returning to Latvia and need information or support, you are welcome to contact a return migration coordinator. After identifying your individual needs, the coordinator works with local authorities and relevant national institutions to prepare a personalised proposal tailored to your circumstances.
Return migration coordinators can provide support with family services, housing and accommodation, employment and business opportunities, as well as social and other practical matters related to settling in Latvia.
Further information about the services and support provided by return migration coordinators is available on the central website www.remigracija.lv.
More information about return migration to Kurzeme, including personal return stories, is available on the Kurzeme Planning Region website at www.kurzemesregions.lv/remigracija and on the “Atgriežos Kurzemē” Facebook page.
Prepared by:
Agnese Berģe
Regional Return Migration Coordinator
Kurzeme Planning Region
Phone: +371 20478252
E-mail: koordinators@kurzemesregions.lv
Translated by AI