For more than a year, third-country citizens in Latvia have been able to receive all the necessary information support and services in one place at the Society Integration Foundation Integration and Inclusion Agency (IIA). People have many questions when planning or starting their lives in Latvia – in the first year of the IIA's operation, more than 4000 individual consultations were provided. Clients particularly appreciate the individual approach and the possibility to receive advice in several languages.
Clients of the IIA are third-country citizens legally residing in the territory of Latvia. The Agency's main task is to promote integration of these foreigners and the development of a cohesive society by developing a common approach to integration-related issues. To do this, representatives of the Agency establish mutual cooperation with representatives of different sectors – state and municipal authorities, non-governmental organisations, universities and the business community.
During the period from the beginning of 2023 until January 2024, clients of the IIA have received 4,140 individual consultations in total, as well as 319 translation services have been provided. Opportunities to receive individual consultations were taken by citizens of Ukraine, India, Russia, Belarus, Morocco and other third countries. The most frequent consultation topics are related to obtaining information on residence permits and citizenship, family reunification, employment options and access to Latvian language courses.
The Agency started working in Riga at the beginning of last year and, in the time span of less than a year, has opened 3 regional branches: in Liepāja, Jelgava and Daugavpils. Another regional branch in Valmiera will open soon. The Agency offers the widest range of information and practical support according to the needs and problems of the target group through face-to-face and online consultations. IIA's consultants provide information in Latvian, Russian and English, whereas, if the client communicates in a different language, an interpreter is provided. In situations that require the involvement of other professionals (entry into Latvia, unemployment, barriers to public services, etc.), a change agent is involved to work individually with the client on a long-term basis.
In addition to individual consultation, the agency provides translation services, legal assistance and will soon offer psychological and psychotherapist’s counselling. All the services needed by the target group are available in one place at the Integration and Inclusion Agency.
Translation service is available in more than 24 languages. Clients can apply for both interpretation online or remotely, and translation which allows to translate any document related to inclusion in Latvia into Latvian. Interpretation and translation can be applied for by both the clients themselves, and institutions and organisations. Legal assistance is also available in both oral and written form. Clients receive advice in Latvian, Russian or English or through an interpreter. To request services, please contact Anita Meiere, IIA's Interpreter Coordinator, phone: +371 26800377 or send an e-mail: anita.meiere@sif.gov.lv.
Consultations are available in person at the IIA offices in Riga and the regions (appointment recommended):
- In Riga, on the premises of the Society Integration Foundation, 15 Raiņa Boulevard, during the working hours of the Foundation: weekdays from 9:00 to 17:00. Clients are consulted by Evita Anceviča (tel.: +371 26959706, e-mail: hello@sif.gov.lv).
- In Liepāja, on the premises of Liepāja City Council, 6 Rožu Street, Mondays from 14:00 to 18:00, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 to 13:00, Thursdays and Fridays from 12:00 to 16:00. Clients are consulted by Kristīna Eroda (tel.: +371 29570364, e-mail: kristina.eroda@sif.gov.lv).
- In Jelgava, on the premises of Jelgava Public Centre, 8 Skolotāju Street, Mondays from 9:00 to 18:00, Tuesdays from 13:00 to 17:00, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 to 13:00. Clients are consulted by Sņežana Zenovjeva (tel.: +371 25915300, e-mail: snezana.zenovjeva@sif.gov.lv).
- In Daugavpils, 11 Ģimnāzijas Street, Mondays from 13:00 to 17:00, Tuesdays from 12:00 to 16:00, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 to 13:00. +371 29557630 Clients are consulted by Edita Latkovska (tel.: +371 29557630, e-mail: edita.latkovska@sif.gov.lv).
- Opening of a branch in Valmiera is scheduled for april 2024.
For more information about the Integration and Inclusion Agency, its services and news, visit its website: www.integration.lv, and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/iialatvia.