The results of a survey of returnees conducted by the Zemgale Planning Region show that 73% of respondents have a positive view of their well-being and life in Latvia following their return, while 66% are generally satisfied with their return experience. At the same time, the survey identifies areas where support for returnees needs to be further improved, particularly in relation to employment, housing, access to information, and family integration.
In July, the Zemgale Planning Region conducted a survey to learn about the experiences of returnees living in Zemgale following their return to Latvia. A total of 101 returnees took part in the survey, answering questions about settling back into life in Latvia, employment, children’s education, healthcare, social integration, and the support they had received.
The results show that a sense of belonging to Latvia, the desire to be closer to family, and satisfaction with the decision to return are important factors in choosing to come back. At the same time, 37% of respondents indicated that settling back into life in Latvia after returning had been difficult. Many returnees enter the labour market relatively quickly – 39% started working or became self-employed either immediately or within three months of returning.
The survey also highlights the need to improve access to support. A total of 40.4% of respondents considered the support provided by national and local authorities to be insufficient, while 19.2% indicated that more support would be needed. Support from a return migration coordinator had been used by 38% of respondents, while 19% had not previously been aware that such support was available. Respondents identified employment, recognition of qualifications obtained abroad, access to housing, and support for children’s integration into the education system as key areas where assistance is needed.
“The survey results demonstrate that returning to Latvia has been a positive and significant life decision for many people. At the same time, our task is to provide returnees with the information and support they need, helping them navigate the practical aspects of relocation and settling in so that the return process is as well-planned and successful as possible,” says Anete Briņeca, Return Migration Coordinator at the Zemgale Planning Region.
The Zemgale Planning Region will use the survey results to further improve the support measures available to returnees, enhance access to information, and strengthen cooperation with local authorities on issues related to employment, housing, and family integration. The full summary of the survey results is available here:
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If you or someone you know is planning to return to the Zemgale region, we encourage you to contact return migration coordinator Anete Briņeca by email at anete.brineca@zpr.gov.lv or zemgale@remigracija.lv. You can also send a message via the dedicated Facebook page “Atgriezties Zemgale”.