On Thursday, 21 November, the Saeima approved in the final reading amendments to the Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Civilians, extending state-provided assistance to Ukrainians for another year and enhancing its scope.
“Another year has nearly passed, yet the war regrettably continues. Latvia has consistently demonstrated its commitment and solidarity with Ukraine until victory is achieved. Latvia reassures Ukrainian civilians that they can feel safe here, receiving all possible support measures, in the provision of which the country has already gained some experience,” said Raimonds Bergmanis, Chair of the Defence Committee of the Saeima responsible for the draft law, pointing out that support has been extended until the end of next year.
The amendments to the law provide for an extension of the deadline for the reimbursement of accommodation costs for Ukrainian civilians, including accommodation and catering for vulnerable groups, as well as for the reimbursement of expenses for the purchase of medicines or medical devices. It is also planned to increase a one-time crisis benefit, which is paid by local governments. Next year, it will increase from EUR 343 to EUR 377 for adults and from EUR 204 to EUR 264 per child.
In order to reduce the administrative burden on both Ukrainian civilians and the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, Ukrainians will now be issued temporary residence permits valid for three years instead of two. Previously, temporary residence permits, which serve as third-country national identification documents, were valid for two years. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the status of temporary protection is currently active for 15,838 Ukrainian civilians in the Register of Natural Persons.
Similarly, if the validity period of a travel document issued in Ukraine has expired, it will be considered valid in Latvia until 28 February 2026. Previously, the law had set the validity period until the end of February next year.
The amendments also provide that unaccompanied Ukrainian children aged seven and older are entitled to receive a document ensuring access to social guarantees. This support will be extended until they reach the age of 19. The Ministry of Welfare previously reported that there are currently 229 such children residing in Latvia.
The changes in the law stipulate that healthcare professionals and pharmacists from Ukraine must demonstrate Latvian language proficiency at the B1 level after three years of employment in Latvia. According to the Ministry of Health, this requirement will apply next year to 142 medical professionals who arrived in Latvia in 2022. Permits allowing Ukrainian medical professionals to provide temporary services in Latvia are currently issued for five years.
For 2025, the Latvian state budget allocates EUR 65 million for supporting Ukrainian civilians in Latvia.
Saeima Press Service