Restrictions caused by the pandemic have sped up digitalisation processes worldwide and have led to companies and institutions wholly or partly shifting to remote working. Migration researchers at the University of Latvia launched a study with the aim to identify incentives that the government can utilise for Latvia to become a choice for remote working for members of the diaspora and return migrants, as well as to evaluate the main obstacles and necessary adjustments that need to be made to taxation, social support, labour market regulation and in other areas.

As the labour market is transformed, opportunities to make amendments to relevant legislation will help to include in the Latvian labour market those people who are working abroad, or the nature of whose work permits remote working, or, alternatively, promote return migration to Latvia, retaining employment abroad.

Within the scope of the study, commenced in June this year, we have already conducted in-depth interviews and have now launched a survey.

We invite the following people to complete the survey:

• those of you who live abroad and return migrants who already work remotely or from home (regardless, in which country)
  OR
• those of you whose work would allow them to work remotely either wholly or in part, without being restricted to a specific place.

Are you are in any of these categories? We would be grateful if you would be willing to spend approximately 15 minutes of your time to take part in this study.

The survey may be completed in either Latvian, English or Russian.

We hope this will allow us all to gain valuable information and will assist companies and institutions in Latvia in adapting to the transformation of the labour market in a timely manner, making it easier to work remotely – across borders.

The research project is implemented by the University of Latvia with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.

The survey may be completed until 24 September.

The findings of the study will be published on the website diaspora.lu.lv and migracija.lv.

One of the most effective ways to maintain the Latvian language and identity in the younger generation who live outside Latvia is via children’s and youth camps summer high schools. Children and youth who attend diaspora camps are happy to get involved in activities where their use of the Latvian language is encouraged, and an understanding of their ancestors’ homeland is enhanced.

Despite the choice of diaspora camps being very limited this year due to Covid-19, the Diaspora and Migration Research Centre at the University of Latvia, commissioned by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has launched a survey with the aim to find out how camps for children and youth of Latvian descent or Latvian nationals who are living outside Latvia are rated and ways to improve how they are run and operate.

Youth who are 16-30 years old, as well as parents whose children have participated or could possibly participate in camps and summer high schools for diaspora children and youth are invited to fill out the survey.

The survey can be filled out in Latvian or English.

• If you are a YOUTH, aged 16-30, please use this link to complete the survey!
• If you are a PARENT (have children aged 5-18), please use this link to complete the survey!

The survey may be completed until 10th August.

The findings of the study will be published on www.diaspora.lu.lv and www.migracija.lv

Researchers at the Diaspora and Migration Research Centre, University of Latvia