Latvia: Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) results
In September 2025, the Migration Policy Group published the latest results of the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX), which assesses integration policies across eight areas in EU countries.
Latvia’s results show little progress over the past five years, with continued weaknesses in healthcare, education, access to nationality, and political participation. The country scored 36 out of 100, indicating a slightly unfavourable approach to integration. While policies provide basic rights and access to long-term residence on paper, they fall short of ensuring equal opportunities in practice.
Study on the labour market integration of international students
A 2025 study, “Integration of International Students and Employment Opportunities in Latvia”, examines how international students – especially third-country nationals – integrate into the Latvian labour market and decide whether to stay in the country after graduation. , examines how international students – especially third-country nationals – integrate into the Latvian labour market and decide whether to stay in the country after graduation.
The study – conducted by the “With World Experience in Latvia” association and the Baltic International Centre for Economic Policy Studies – notes that while the number of international students is rising, many face barriers to employment. Limited Latvian language skills are the main obstacle, particularly outside STEM fields, restricting access to jobs and professional networks. Systemic challenges identified include the absence of a national strategy for graduate integration and fragmented coordination between education, migration, and labour authorities.
Study on students displaced from Ukraine in the Latvian education system
A study by the Centre for Public Policy, PROVIDUS, examines how children displaced from Ukraine are integrated into Latvia’s education system.
Based on input from teachers, school administrations, municipalities and other stakeholders, the study finds that integration is ongoing and uneven. Implementation largely depends upon the initiative of individual schools, principals, and teachers, as state and municipal authorities continue to develop longer term approaches for students with migration backgrounds.
Key challenges identified in the study include the absence of a unified strategy, stable funding, and sufficient human resources. Schools are found to play a central role in both integration and evaluation, and standardised methods for tracking integration outcomes have yet to be developed.
Approval of 2026 action plan for supporting people displaced from Ukraine
On 22 December, Latvia’s Cabinet of Ministers approved the 2026 action plan for supporting people displaced from Ukraine. Developed by the Ministry of the Interior, it coordinates measures by state institutions, NGOs, and businesses.
Funding under the plan will amount to €39.7 million and some existing targeted measures, including employment start-up benefits and academic research scholarships, will be closed. Accommodation support will remain available for up to 60 days and food assistance for 30 days, extended to 180 days for vulnerable groups.
The plan reflects new legal requirements for refugees to reach Latvian language level A2 within two years and profession-specific levels within five years. Temporary protection may be withdrawn if beneficiaries travel to Russia or Russian-occupied territories.
Renewal for temporary protection status for those displaced from Ukraine
As of April 2025, approximately 18 600 people displaced from Ukraine in Latvia have not renewed the documents required to stay legally, losing their temporary protection status. Many may have left Latvia voluntarily, but the exact number is unknown. Those still in the country can restore their status by applying to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) for a residence permit.
The Latvian Population Register currently lists 30 920 Ukrainians under temporary protection. Gaps remain in tracking arrivals and departures, but the new figures provide a clearer picture of numbers, helping authorities plan social support, integration services and resource allocation.