UNHCR publishes the 2025 UN Refugee Agency Socio-Economic Research Survey

UNHCR published the ‘Latvia-2025 UN Refugee Agency Socio-Economic Research Survey’, which analyses the socio-economic conditions of Ukrainian refugees in Latvia based on data provided by Ukrainians themselves.

Currently, there are almost 32,000 refugees from Ukraine in the country who have received temporary protection and the majority of them (72%) expressed their intention to stay in Latvia. Most important findings:

• In 2025, 95% of respondents held temporary protection status, confirming Latvia’s capacity to regularise the stay of Ukrainian civilians, while highlighting the need for durable residence solutions ahead of the gradual lifting of temporary protection from March 2027.
• Socio-economic integration indicators show mixed trends. The employment rate among working-age refugees rose from 56% in 2024 to 62% in 2025, yet employment remains the main unresolved issue for households, followed by healthcare and accommodation.
• Latvian language proficiency improved, with 41% reporting effective communication skills (up from 35%), and school attendance among children increased significantly from 65% to 80%.
• Housing conditions improved markedly. 76% of households now live in private accommodation, while dormitory residence dropped from 15% to 5%. However, 45% still depend partially or fully on housing cost support.
• Access to healthcare deteriorated, with 88% of those in need receiving services in 2025 compared to 96% in 2024, primarily due to long waiting times. Mental health concerns increased.
• Relations with the host community remain largely positive, though reports of hostile attitudes rose slightly from 25% to 27%.