Establishment and Development of the Asylum Seekers' Reception Centre in Liepna
In light of the complex and changing global geopolitical conditions, the Authority has implemented a series of measures to establish and equip an asylum seekers' reception centre (PMIC), which can accommodate 250 individuals. The centre was set up in the former building of the Liepna Boarding School, which was closed in 2018. As part of the project, significant technical improvements were made.
Under the project "Addressing Urgent Accommodation and Humanitarian Assistance Needs Arising from the Increased Number of Asylum Seekers in Latvia," 15 new employees were hired, and asylum seekers were provided access to consultations with family doctors and mentors from the Society Integration Fund. The project ran from March 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023, with a total of 2,024,784.81 euros spent.
The PMIC was opened on July 5, 2023, when the accommodation of asylum seekers began in the newly refurbished facilities. The maintenance costs of the asylum seekers' reception centre are covered by the funding from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021–2027 programme project No. PMLP/PMIF/2023/2.
Facilities Available to Asylum Seekers
The centre offers asylum seekers a wide range of facilities, including a kitchen, laundry room, computer room, study room with internet access, gym, medical office, library, and additional living space. Asylum seekers are required to comply with the centre's internal regulations, and responsibility for maintaining the shared spaces is divided among all residents.
Countries of Origin of Asylum Seekers
Asylum seekers at the centre have come from the following countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Belarus, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Togo, India, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Algeria, Mali, Ghana, Eritrea, Russia, Morocco, Iran, Sicily, Somalia, Yemen, Bangladesh, Chad, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Syria, and Comoros.
Plans for Long-Term Development
Under the project "Adaptation of PMIC “Liepna” for Long-Term Use," additional improvements are planned to ensure the sustainable operation of the centre. This includes increasing energy efficiency and adapting the facilities to meet the needs of people with disabilities (ramps, toilets, shower rooms).
PMIC “Liepna” continues to evolve, providing a safe and supportive environment for asylum seekers who seek protection and opportunities to build a new life in Latvia.