When planning our return home, we searched for information online on the remigration plan and support to people who want to make this serious choice. After finding information on regional remigration coordinators, I got in touch with Astrida Lescinska (Latgale).
It was really nice to find out that there are people in Latvia who can give practical advice and help to sort things out – all of which would not be so easy without this project. Since we are a new family, the most important issue we had to solve was a place at a kindergarten for our daughter. Astrida took it upon herself to go to the relevant authorities in the city of our choice and do everything in her power to ensure that we can return to Latvia and work. In terms of employment, Astrida actively and regularly provided information on the latest vacancies and work opportunities. Unfortunately, this project does not include employers willing to employ remigrants. Still, our coordinator found social initiatives that had launched various projects for remigrants and regularly inquired on whether any news had been received from potential employers. Caring and moral support is one of the most important tasks of the coordinator. It is so nice to receive news from Astrida, she always asks about how the interview went, how the settling in process is going, etc. It could seem like a small thing but for a new family that has decided to take such a big step, it is very important. It would be great if the remigration plan would in the future also entail ways to provide housing for those who want to return. Renting an apartment in the city or buying a home while you haven’t found a job is financially very difficult, besides, not all families can do that. We are fortunate because we receive a lot of support from our family. But those who do not have a place to return to, this is often a decisive issue.