On 28 June 2023, a conference was held by the Ministry of Culture on the evaluation of the results achieved under the 2014-2020 programme of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the planned events of the AMIF 2021-2027 period. The already achieved results through the use of AMIF were reported at the conference by the Ministry of Culture and representatives of project implementers; on the topics of new period of AMIF – by the Ministry of Culture and by the Foundation for the Integration of the Society, as well as by the representatives of the one-stop agency's function provider.
During the AMIF 2014-2020 period, the implementation of the fund took place in the selection of 4 project applications of 5 activities - a total of 36 projects - implemented by 9 non-governmental organizations, 3 universities of Latvia and 1 State Agency, and in total of EUR 7 570 405 European funding was invested in integration activities. As a result, Latvian-language courses have been taught to 4 613 third-country nationals, most of whom have been from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Support for integration measures is provided to 9 915 third-country nationals, providing 13 407 consultations, as well as providing the assistance of a psychologist.
In addition through the use of AMIF, 1 359 refugees received assistance, also international protection persons and persons granted alternative status; 1 593 people are provided free translation services. In addition to direct support and advice, an educational course has been provided for 146 Latvian journalists and editors on integration issues, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of 29 media on these issues.
Integration introductory courses on current social, social, social, economic and cultural processes in Latvia, ensuring integration-enhancing events was happening: visiting cultural events or cultural institutions to familiarize themselves with the offer of arts, professional and temporal arts or the organization of Latvian cultural canons, sports and recreational events, events promoting intercultural dialogue and cohesive dialogue the organization of the development of a cohesive society, including close relatives of third-country nationals and the local community, was organized by 1 national state agency and 6 non-governmental organizations. Together, 3 786 third-country nationals from 74 countries worldwide visited integration courses, Latvian speaking clubs and integration courses; most of them from Russia, Ukraine and India.
Within the framework of the 3 AMIF projects, 1 non-governmental organization has provided an initial integration course on current social, social, political, economic and cultural processes in Latvia and measures promoting integration for international protection persons (asylum seekers, refugees and persons granted alternative status). Overall, 1 051 international protection persons attended integration courses and 308 international protection persons completed free Latvian language courses.
Within the framework of the 3 AMIF projects, 1 non-governmental organization has provided access services to the Information Centre for immigrants, providing 13 407 consultations on legal, social, healthcare, education, etc. for a total of 9 915 third-country nationals, ensured the establishment and functioning of an inter-institutional dialogue platform involving public and local authorities, international organizations and non-governmental organizations, consultations provided to specialists who are working with third-country nationals as well as training provided in cultural matters. The Information center provided free translation services for arrivals 1 593 for third-country nationals in total 7 050 times. There is also 411 psychological support provided.
As a part of the AMIF, training of national, municipal and non-governmental experts working with third-country nationals has also been carried out in the field of communication and inter-cultural fields, and overall training has been completed by 1 156 specialists, thereby improving the quality of service provision.
“Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the implementation of the measures planned for the projects and the increase in migration flows at the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the AMIF projects have been successfully implemented and the results originally planned have been exceeded,” points out Ms. Evija Vārna, Deputy director of the European Union Fund Department of the Ministry of Culture.
Taking into account that the number of third-country nationals in Latvia is increasing, AMIF is expected to continue in the planning period of 2021-2027 to:
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ensure the functioning of the National Coordinating Authority “One-Stop Agency” in all regions of Latvia;
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promote the inclusion of third-country nationals in the local community by providing opportunities for the use and acquisition of Latvian, providing input courses for third-country nationals for Latvia and innovative measures that promote the inclusion of third-country nationals in society; and
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provide intercultural communication training for professionals in different areas.
The total funding of AMIF to the Ministry of Culture for the programming period 2021-2027 is EUR 16,5 million.
The selection of project applications for the provision of Latvian language courses and common-language clubs for third-country nationals is currently coming to an end; the funding for the implementation of the projects is EUR 2 299 500, the time for the implementation of the projects until 31 July 2026.
In order to ensure an introductory course for third-country nationals on life in Latvia, applicants are invited to submit projects by June 30 of this year.
More about selecting project applications
The Ministry of Culture is the delegated authority of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund in Latvia in the field of integration. The managing authority of the fund is the Ministry of Interior.