Latvian households that provide accommodation to Ukrainian refugees free of charge will be eligible to receive a state compensation with EUR 100 a month for one refugee and additional amount of EUR 50 for every next refugee for a period of no more than 90 days.
The compensation amount will not be allowed to exceed EUR 300 a month.
Minister of Welfare Gatis Eglītis adds: «It is generally believed that in a crisis situation every person shows their true nature and the environment they create around themselves. The war caused by Russia in Ukraine has highlighted the values, culture and perception of life among Latvian residents, which manifests as efforts to provide assistance, donations and volunteer work to support people experiencing difficulties and suffering.»
«I am happy and grateful as a minister and Latvian resident. I would like to extend gratitude to all those who help Ukrainian people!»
Regulations apply to households, driven by altruism, voluntarily provide accommodation to Ukrainian refugees free of charge. Using this benefit, the state will express its gratitude to residents and to at least partially compensate households the additional costs from taking care of Ukrainian refugees, the Ministry of Welfare explains.
To receive the benefit, households, private persons – house owners or tenants – will need to submit an official request to the municipal administration within the territory of which their property is located.
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Households will need to list the following information: the address where Ukrainian refugees are staying, the address, the size of the living space provided to refugees, the planned accommodation period, as well as affirmation that living space provided to people is safe and appropriate for living.
It is also necessary to provide the names, surnames and personal codes of all Ukrainian refugees.
Payment of this compensation is provided by amendments to the Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Civilians passed by the government on Tuesday, 3 May. Now the Saeima will need to vote on them.