A certain structure called the "Vidzeme Planning Region" found and surveyed 70 Latvians who prefer to live and work outside their native Latvia. What are they looking for in a distant land? And why do they not want to return home?
As reported by Dzintars Mochs, a representative of the Vidzeme Planning Region, a survey of diaspora representatives was conducted. Why? To prepare recommendations for the government and the Saeima that would facilitate the process of returning.
For such a large-scale task, the sample of respondents was small. Only 70 compatriots living abroad participated in the survey, with the majority of respondents from the United Kingdom and Norway — 17-18 emigrants each.
Mochs assures that the data obtained shows a clear trend: despite a strong emotional connection to Latvia, the decision to return is determined by a pragmatic need for safety, stability, and an inclusive environment for the family.
The average duration of respondents' stay abroad is 13 years — this means that they have already established a stable life, career, and social circle abroad. This fact is also confirmed by their family status: more than 70% of respondents live abroad with families, and only one-fifth live alone. Accordingly, returning to Latvia is no longer a decision made by one person but becomes a decision for the whole family.
Although the main reasons for leaving have historically been work and higher salaries (36.7%) or educational opportunities (23.3%), the motivation to return has become more layered. Respondents indicate that they are held abroad not only by income levels but also by overall quality of life and a sense of stability, according to the survey data.
A significant aspect that emerged in the open-ended questions of the survey is mixed families. Several respondents noted that they would gladly return, but they are held back by concerns about the integration of their foreign spouse. Indeed, foreigners are viewed with caution in Latvian society.
The good news is that despite economic concerns, the emotional connection to Latvia has not been lost.
When asked what they miss the most, the predominant answers were: family, friends, nature, and culture of Latvia. Respondents mentioned longing for "their language and mentality," "Latvian forests and sea," as well as "cottage cheese sandwiches" or "the opportunity to meet parents without planning flights."
Reflecting on the responses, the Vidzeme Planning Region formulated recommendations for the Latvian authorities. Specifically, at the level of state policy, support for mixed families is proposed as a priority issue — it is suggested to implement state-funded professional language programs targeted at specific sectors and simplify bureaucratic procedures for obtaining residence permits.
Equally important is the integration of children into the education system with the provision of support staff in schools. It is also necessary to improve housing accessibility.
At a practical level, it is recommended to create personalized digital "return guides," develop a mentoring network "one of us — to another," and provide psychological support to help overcome cultural shock.
