Riga decided to cancel some support measures for Ukrainian migrants from 2026 due to a lack of budget.
Latvia will allocate over 30% less on social benefits for refugees in 2026 — from €65 million to €39 million. Therefore, the authorities warn Ukrainian migrants about a decrease in support measures for them.
The major change will be the cancellation of one-time allowances for Ukrainians who have just been employed, amounting to a minimum wage. Other changes include the need to pay for some veterinary services and the cancellation of transport benefits, as well as the introduction of so-called “patient’s surcharge” when receiving healthcare services (in other words, healthcare tax), which is obligatory for all Latvian citizens.
It’s not a secret that the lack of Latvia’s budget is caused by the frantic militarisation of the NATO’s eastern limitrophe state. Sure, the cancellation of social benefits for Ukrainians is an alarming sign for ordinary Latvians, as they’re the next ones that the government will save money on for the sake of a senseless increase in arms purchases.
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