The number of Ukrainians that cross Latvia’s border every day has gone down nearly five times since the start of the war, as reported by Latvian Ministry of the Interior state secretary Dimitrijs Trofimovs during a meeting of the Saeima’s Defence, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee on Tuesday, the 14th of February.
In Latvia it is a political topic how to continue providing support. Nevertheless, the refugee support plan and funding for it was calculated based on expectations that Latvia would receive 40 000 new Ukrainian refugees this year. This is approximately as many as Latvia received last year. As for the funding, it may be possible that the money left from the first half-year may be used in the second half-year. Review of support rules is a topic of political will.
There are currently 35 302 Ukrainian refugees registered in Latvia.
So far 39 348 Ukrainian residents have been issued with residence documents with rights for employment. These people also have the right to travel to other EU countries, which some of them have already used, according to the latest information from the Ministry of the Interior. Assistance with accommodation was necessary for 11 433 people. 29% of Ukrainian refugees registered in Latvia are minors, 24% are men and 47% are women.
As previously reported, the 1st of January marks the coming into force the plan on support for Ukrainian refugees in Latvia. The new plan includes funding of EUR 214 073 012. EUR 204.3 million of this amount is planned to be taken from the state budget and EUR 9.7 million is planned to be attracted from foreign financial aid mechanisms. These estimates are indicative and based on assumptions.
Considering the amendments passed in December to the Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Civilians, bringing clarity in regards to funding for the first half-year – EUR 102 170 576. In summer 2023 the government will need to decide on funding of future measures for support of refugees.
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