Long-term assistance and residence permits 

In order to receive long-term assistance in Latvia, a victim of human trafficking must have legal grounds to stay in Latvia. After the reflection period and a temporary residence permit, the victim can:

• Seek a temporary residence permit on humanitarian grounds
• Seek for a work permit or visa
• Become a citizen of Latvia through naturalization process.

To receive a work permit or visa, the victim must have an employer in Latvia. The work permit is connected to particular employer. If the employment ends, the work permit is revoked unless the person finds another employer. The permit is revoked by the the Latvian Office for Citizenship and Migration Affairs by the request of the employer.

Victims can also seek asylum if they have grounds for it. Being a victim of human trafficking is not as such a reason to grant asylum in Latvia.

The long-term assistance can be separated roughly into two parts.

Long-term assistance connected to the Social Rehabilitation Service

After the 180 days of Social Rehabilitation Service, identified victims of human trafficking can receive five one-hour consultations with the service provider. The service is available within two years after the end of the Social Rehabilitation Service. 

The victim might, in addition, have access to support services that are connected to the pretrial investigation or court proceedings the victim is part of. These services can include:

• Psychosocial assistance, including individual consultations with a lawyer, social worker or psychologist
• Interpreter services, unless provided within the framework of the criminal process
• Assistance in drawing up legal documents
• Representation in court, up to 150 hours per year.

The assistance is only available for the victim, not to their family members.

Integration services 

Victims of human trafficking staying in Latvia longer-term are also entitled to receive integration services provided by the State Integration Fund. The services are not specifically planned for victims of human trafficking, but rather are available to all third country nationals, including asylum seekers, persons with working visas or other type of residence permit.

The integration services can include for instance:

• Language courses
• Integration courses
• Career consultation
• Social support consultation

Career and social support consultation services are provided by the person’s home municipality in Latvia.