Emigrants from Latvia must stabilize their lives in many ways in their host countries, including through looking after the psychosocial wellbeing of their children in a new environment. This study examines the subjective experiences of Latvian …
This study examines how migration issues are reflected in the development planning documents of Latvian municipalities, particularly in the context of depopulation. Using both quantitative and qualitative content analysis methods, 76 municipal development documents, approved or amended after 2021, were analysed. The research explored how municipalities recognize and interpret migration trends and whether migration is considered a strategic solution for fostering municipal development. The findings reveal that while most municipalities acknowledge the risks of depopulation and emphasize the importance of human capital in development, this recognition often fails to translate into comprehensive strategies. Municipalities view migration as both a risk (due to emigration) and an opportunity (through attracting residents). However, the focus tends to be competing for existing Latvian residents rather than attracting new ones through immigration. Immigrants, as a potential solution to depopulation, are rarely mentioned in municipal development plans. The study highlights the lack of a systematic approach to migration in these strategic documents. This gap hinders the effective integration of demographic shifts with broader development goals. Additionally, there is a disconnect between the economic development visions outlined by municipalities and the realities of depopulation. Given the latest trends in Latvia’s migration dynamics, the authors conclude that the current approach, which largely avoids directly addressing immigration, may be inadequate. The study calls for more detailed integration strategies at the municipal level, alongside a comprehensive evaluation of migration’s potential to address depopulation challenges.
Contact restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to the rapid expansion of remote work. With this expansion, new opportunities arise for the typical migrant-sending countries in Central and Eastern Europe to remotely involve …
This article explores the identity formation of Latvian migrants who have moved to the United Kingdom in large numbers over the last 20 years. Latvians are forced to reconfigure their cultural and social belonging in the new multicultural society. …
A number of previous studies have looked at different aspects of emigration from Latvia and return migration to Latvia. However, this paper is the first attempt to provide a comprehensive assessment of the size and demographic structure of Latvia’s …
In this article, the awareness of belonging of Latvian emigrants is analysed and the factors that influence changes in sense of belonging explained, using unique empirical data. The data used were sourced from a quantitative longitudinal survey of …
The basis for a strong diaspora community is its cohesion and constant contact between its members through participation in diaspora events, organizations and groups. Unfortunately only 11% of the Latvian diaspora are members of its organizations, …
This article puts into context the situation in the Latvian diaspora, outlining sociolinguistic theories regarding language, contact and migration of ethnic communities in the diaspora. Linguistic change in this diaspora is compared with language …
The Baltic countries, which experienced intensive outflow of labor during the first 5 years after joining the EU, also provide an interesting case for a study of the migration response to economic shocks. The behavior of Baltic migrants was different …
By moving, a person loses at least some of their social contacts, causing not just psychological distress and anxiety, but also loss of support networks one can rely on in times of need. Latvia was one of the typical ‘sending countries’ in Europe, …