PAPS is the “Regional Remigration Coordinator” project – a pilot project carried out by the Ministry for Environmental Protection and Regional Development (MoEPRD). The project is implemented in accordance with a task set out in the Government Action Plan in 2016 which entails carrying out actions aimed at supporting Latvian diaspora’s political and civic participation, diaspora’s involvement in the economic and cultural life of Latvia, as well as support for education and science. The project also provides support for families currently living abroad who are considering returning to Latvia.
In order to ensure targeted efforts to promote remigration, MoEPRD established a network of five regional remigration coordinators – one for each planning region – in 2018. The coordinators help both their fellow countrymen to return home and the municipalities to regain their citizens. Everyone has the opportunity to receive free advice from a regional coordinator on issues related to return to a particular region in Latvia. The coordinator is a supporter who remotely helps compatriots living abroad to consider the benefits of returning in order for them to be able to make a well-considered decision and prepare for a successful return to Latvia. Each remigrant has individual needs and circumstances that must be considered, thus the coordinator in Latvia will help find answers to all questions of interest in cooperation with municipalities and government authorities, if necessary.
Funding for the implementation of the project in 2020 is provided by state budget funds of 643 529 euros.
