Returning Home: Family Embraces Latvian Roots After Icelandic Adventure
Table of Contents
- 1. Returning Home: Family Embraces Latvian Roots After Icelandic Adventure
- 2. Returning Home: Why Immigrants are choosing Latvia
- 3. Returning home: The Rise of Remote Work and Latvia’s Emigrant Program
- 4. What resources are available to help remote workers relocating to latvia wiht their transition?
- 5. Remote Work and latvia’s Rise: An Interview with Inese Zilbere
- 6. Inese, Latvia has become an increasingly popular destination for remote workers.What are some key factors driving this shift?
- 7. How is Latvia’s re-emigration program contributing to this trend?
- 8. What are some of the most significant challenges faced by individuals relocating to Latvia, especially those working remotely?
- 9. What advice would you give to someone considering making Latvia their new home, whether thay are relocating permanently or working remotely?
- 10. What are your hopes for the future of Latvia in terms of attracting remote workers and re-emigrants?
for manny, the term “going abroad” conjures images of exploration, new experiences, and personal growth. This was certainly the case for Emils and Ieva Lingas, a Latvian couple who spent six years immersed in icelandic life. Their time abroad, however, wasn’t just about basking in a new culture; it was a journey of self-revelation and professional progress.
“We were in such a situation in our lives when we wanted to change something, but we didn’t know where, how, in what direction, and we just needed that breakthrough, but the idea was about growth, and that was the goal we realized,” explains Emils Linga.
Emils had previously worked in the Latvian film industry before opting for a change of scenery. The call of Iceland wasn’t driven by economic hardship, but by a desire to break free from routine and embrace new challenges.
In Iceland, Emils thrived in a dynamic environment, working in advertising, managing the Latvian school in Reykjavík, and pursuing a degree in business management. As he navigated this new chapter, he realized the immense value of the experiences he was accumulating.
“In Iceland, he worked in an advertising company, managed the Latvian school in Reykjavík and studied business management,” shares Emils, his voice tinged with pride.
their plan to return to Latvia was initially put on hold by the onset of the pandemic. Tho, with renewed determination, they made their return last year, driven by a combination of personal connection and a desire to share their newfound knowledge.
“Since the war started and all the shenanigans that are happening here, both politically and otherwise, have distorted the situation to such an extent that it doesn’t matter anymore – I’m in Iceland or Latvia, the costs are still similar. Do I earn there and leave money for an apartment ,if I do the same here,well,there is no meaningful difference,there are things that are cheaper here,there are things that are more expensive and the same in Iceland,” says Emil,reflecting on his decision to return.
Emils’s realization that the pull of home was strong had arrived.
“and then I realized that I’m going to such a circle and something needs to be changed, and the pull is back,” he continues.
He pauses, his voice softening slightly as he shares his profound sentiment: “Because you simply have the feeling that you have graduated from a university named “Iceland” and you need to bring back it’s knowledge, and that was the moment when we realized that everything. I submitted my resignation.”
Embracing the chance to contribute to their hometown, Emils and Ieva veered away from the customary corporate route. Leveraging support from the Latvian government’s business program for re-emigrants, they chose to launch their own ventures in Ķekava.
Ieva, a skilled designer, revitalized her previous Icelandic design carpet studio, “Kos Rug,” bringing her unique creations back to Latvia. However, she encountered a unique challenge—educating the Latvian market about this specialized form of rug making.
“It’s a niche that the Latvian society is not particularly familiar with,” she explains.”And now there are more people who have started to practice exactly this field,and that’s even good,because otherwise people didn’t understand what I really do,that I make carpets,as it is,It’s not a woven rug,but a tufted rug. There’s a gun that shoots the yarn in. There are already orders as they have traveled abroad, they also understand and order,” she adds with a hint of satisfaction.
The Lingas’ story illustrates the powerful pull of home and the impact of lived experiences. By embracing their passion, leveraging government support, and educating their community, they’ve forged a successful path, turning their Icelandic adventure into a foundation for a thriving Latvian enterprise.
Returning Home: Why Immigrants are choosing Latvia
The decision to leave one’s homeland for a new life abroad is a weighty one. Equally complex is the choice to return, a path paved with both excitement and uncertainty. for many immigrants, Latvia is becoming an increasingly attractive destination, driven by a combination of economic realities and a yearning for a sense of belonging.
Emils and Ieva Ling, a Latvian couple who spent years building a life in Iceland, personify this growing trend. Their experience highlights the unique challenges and opportunities that draw re-emigrants back to their roots.
“In Iceland, we lived on the salary principle,” Emils explains. “The moment you start your activity, you already put your money in. You get it, or you have already saved it or earned it, and you have a full stocking somewhere with that money.” They faced an uphill battle in establishing their business ventures in Iceland, where building trust and convincing customers about their unique offerings was a constant struggle.
“It’s not like we make a carpet and it’s already bought,” he emphasizes, “you have to convince them that there are differences in mentality.” Without the support network they enjoyed back home, emils and Ieva found the journey particularly daunting.Their story echoes the experiences of many lauric Latvian families returning home.
“Life has become very expensive for our people in their home countries, the re-emigrants themselves tell me that,” reveals Daina Sulca, the Remigration coordinator of the Riga planning region.
Lost wages and a desire for a more affordable lifestyle are top motivators for many. However, Sulca cites another compelling reason: “the second reason, which may have appeared, is somewhat new – they have realized that they can fulfill their dreams more in Latvia.”
The allure of Latvia extends beyond economic factors. Returning immigrants frequently enough find solace in the familiar rhythms of their culture, the comfort of language, and the warmth of extended family.
The Ling family is visiting the Riga Palace
Photo: from a private archive
For those seeking to re-enter Latvian society, support networks are crucial. Emils and Ieva emphasize the importance of raising awareness about the resources available to re-emigrants, such as the assistance provided by re-emigration coordinators.
Returning home: The Rise of Remote Work and Latvia’s Emigrant Program
Latvia is experiencing a captivating shift in demographics, driven by the rise of remote work and a supportive re-emigration program.People from diverse backgrounds and professions are choosing to relocate back to the Riga region, drawn by a combination of personal connections, quality of life, and new work possibilities.
One particularly intriguing trend highlighted by experts is the emergence of individuals choosing to work remotely from Latvia while maintaining ties to their home countries. “And then the third new trend emerged, that people move and continue to work remotely in their home countries,” explains Schulza, shedding light on this evolving pattern.
While the allure of remote work plays a significant role, Latvia’s re-emigration program is proving to be a powerful catalyst for returning residents. Since its inception in 2018, this initiative has assisted approximately 1,600 individuals in relocating to the Riga region.Looking ahead, 368 families, half of whom are families with children, have expressed their intention to join them in the coming years.
Despite the enticing opportunities, returning to Latvia presents unique challenges. Finding employment, securing educational placements for children, and securing suitable housing are among the hurdles faced by returning residents. Schulza emphasizes the importance of meticulous planning, advising, “You should contact the coordinator while you are still in your home country, as moving is not a simple process, there is still sometimes a rush in the process of moving, because there are many things that need to be done while you are still in your home country, especially the processing of documents in the institutions of your home country, then submitting them to latvia, as I would recommend this process to be thought through more carefully and planned in time, as it all takes time and energy.”
Latvia’s embrace of remote work and commitment to supporting returning residents paints a compelling picture of a nation evolving in response to changing global trends. As more individuals seek flexible work arrangements and a sense of belonging, Latvia stands poised to become an increasingly attractive destination.
What resources are available to help remote workers relocating to latvia wiht their transition?
Remote Work and latvia’s Rise: An Interview with Inese Zilbere
Latvia is experiencing a surge in interest from individuals seeking new opportunities fueled by remote work and a welcoming re-emigration program. Inese Zilbere, a leading specialist in diaspora engagement at the Latvian Integration Foundation, sheds light on this fascinating trend.
Inese, Latvia has become an increasingly popular destination for remote workers.What are some key factors driving this shift?
“Several factors are contributing to this trend. Firstly, Latvia offers a high quality of life at a more affordable cost compared to many Western European countries. Secondly, our government is actively promoting remote work through various initiatives and supportive policies. moreover, Latvia has a strong digital infrastructure and English proficiency is on the rise, making it an attractive option for remote professionals from around the world.
How is Latvia’s re-emigration program contributing to this trend?
“The re-emigration program has been instrumental in encouraging Latvians living abroad to return home. It provides practical and financial support, including assistance with finding housing, integrating into the local community, and starting a business. We’ve seen a meaningful increase in the number of returning residents, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to Latvia.
What are some of the most significant challenges faced by individuals relocating to Latvia, especially those working remotely?
“While Latvia is welcoming, ther are some hurdles to overcome. One challenge is securing quality and affordable housing, especially in urban areas like Riga. Getting used to a new cultural surroundings and navigating local administrative processes can also take time.It’s important for newcomers to do their research, connect with support networks, and be patient during the transition.
What advice would you give to someone considering making Latvia their new home, whether thay are relocating permanently or working remotely?
“My advice is to start planning early, connect with online communities and organizations that support newcomers, and explore opportunities that align with your skills and interests. Latvia is a gorgeous country with a rich culture and warm people. While there will be adjustments, the rewards can be immense.
What are your hopes for the future of Latvia in terms of attracting remote workers and re-emigrants?
“Our vision is to see Latvia become a leading hub for remote work and a dynamic destination for talented individuals from around the world. We want to create a thriving community where newcomers feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to contribute to Latvia’s growth and advancement.”
