Migrant integration and employment developments in Latvia

Integration of students and employment opportunities 

The recently published study “Integration of international students and employment opportunities in Latvia” assesses how non-EU students integrate into Latvia’s labour market and what shapes their post-graduation retention. 

Findings highlight a growing third-country national (TCN) student population, alongside persistent barriers to employment. Limited Latvian language proficiency remains a key obstacle, restricting access to jobs - particularly outside STEM - and reducing networking opportunities. 

Systemic challenges identified in the study include the absence of a coordinated national strategy for TCN graduate integration, as well as fragmented data and weak coordination across education, migration, and labour authorities. 

The study recommends shifting from education export to targeted TCN talent retention, supported by a long-term strategy, improved language learning systems, stronger higher education competitiveness, and a more integration-oriented role for universities. 

Towards a unified language learning system for TCN integration 

The Ministry of Education and Science prepared a draft ‘concept’ to address fragmentation in adult Latvian language learning, a key factor for TCN labour market integration. 

The proposal includes a unified platform (STARS) for course access, standardised data collection, and improved alignment of funding with training programmes. It also clarifies institutional roles, with the Ministry leading policy, the Latvian Language Agency coordinating, and other bodies overseeing quality, implementation, and platform management. 

The Concept aims to strengthen quality assurance and establish common guidelines for publicly funded language training. By improving access, coordination, and quality, it seeks to reduce language barriers that limit TCN participation in employment and broader integration outcomes. 

Cultural orientation courses for people displaced from Ukraine 

The Society Integration Fund (SIF) approved 31 projects under the “Cultural Orientation Courses and Inclusion Activities for Ukrainian Civilians call”, supporting the integration of people displaced from Ukraine. The initiatives promote interaction with Latvian society through activities delivered across all regions. 

Funded project focuses include Latvian language, history, and culture courses; youth camps; psychosocial support; creative workshops; digital literacy training; and cultural events. These measures support both social inclusion and early-stage labour market readiness. 

Of 48 applications requesting over €3.69 million, 31 were selected, with €2 404 429 allocated - fully utilising the 2025 programme budget. 

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