Initially, the One-Stop Agency (OSA) will provide in-person and online individual consultations in Latvian, English, and Russian (with interpreter support if necessary), offering information on the admission of third-country nationals, residence conditions, social protection, employment, the tax system, education, healthcare, housing, and other related topics.

In January, the provision of oral interpretation in rare languages—such as Arabic, Farsi, Turkish, Tajik, Vietnamese, Mandarin, and others—is planned to begin, based on an assessment of individual needs.

Following the signing of the project implementation agreement between the Ministry of Culture and the Society Integration Foundation (SIF), which is expected to take place in February 2023, the gradual introduction of additional services is planned. These include individual consultations with lawyers, psychologists, and other specialists, as well as written translation services in rare languages. A regional network of OSA branches is also planned in Latvia’s major cities. The OSA will continue to maintain and develop the platform www.integration.lv, previously managed by the NGO “Shelter ‘Safe House’.”

OSA services will be available to third-country nationals who have obtained the right to reside in Latvia, as well as persons in need of international protection (refugees, persons granted alternative status, and asylum seekers) who are legally residing in Latvia. Citizens of European Union member states, the European Economic Area, or the Swiss Confederation are not included in the target group.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian civilians will continue to receive targeted, needs-based support at Ukrainian Civilian Support Centers across Latvia, as well as free consultations via the unified helpline “Support for Ukrainians in Latvia” – +371 27380380.

In the future, SIF envisions expanding the range of services and target groups, bringing together services from various institutions in one place and providing support to anyone starting a new life in Latvia, including highly qualified professionals and returnees.

A significant innovation will be the introduction of specialists whose role will go beyond providing basic information to offering thoughtful and constructive support for individuals’ socioeconomic inclusion. A developed client database will serve as a tool to streamline the process for third-country nationals to apply for Latvian language courses and will support the program’s goal of increasing the use of the Latvian language in daily communication by expanding access to language learning opportunities.

Services will be provided at the SIF premises at 15 Raiņa Boulevard, Riga, during agency working hours on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To receive free consultations, prior registration is required by calling +371 26959706.

Services of the Integration and Inclusion Agency are provided by the Society Integration Foundation within the framework of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund’s project (Agreement No. PMIF/13.1./2022/1/01). The funding has been allocated by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (75%) and Latvian State budget (25%).