ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the policy responses and practices adopted by government and social partners in Latvia to deal with the challenges posed by migration since European Union (EU) enlargement. Many of those who arrived during the Soviet time are now integrated in Latvian society, speak Latvian and have obtained Latvian citizenship. The main government institution dealing with the social integration of both returning Latvian migrants and migrants from third countries is the Ministry of Integration. Various government institutions have stated that the gradual improvement of the Latvian economy and wage growth are the main goals with a view to directly and indirectly promoting return migration. Individual motivations should be strengthened with broad social inclusion mechanisms provided not only through social networks of returning migrants, but also by official institutions. Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia (LBAS) has been actively involved in the review of current migration policy and has also expressed its views on specific migration issues.
