Font Size: 

The focus of this research is on the migration between Baltic States in general and Latvia in particular and Sweden. There have been two important historical turns in the latest history for the Baltic States – the restoration of independence in early 90^th and the accession to the European Union in 2004. Both events contributed to the out migration from the region. Although these events would be considered as positive and also meant ‘open’ borders for Baltic State citizens lately there have been addition factors promoting out migration like economic crisis initiated in 2008 and consequential unemployment that draws attention on emerging patterns and composition of emigrants to several destination but in this case particularly to Sweden. After the EU enlargement Sweden did not receive as many Eastern European migrants as it was expected at the time, but latest trends prove the opposite. Nordic countries as potential destination were lacking pioneer migrants to establish support network to attract newcomers, but the latest is changing and statistics for 2010 show that number of Baltic State immigrants in Sweden has grown significantly since year 2008. With the economic recession and growing unemployment in Latvia year 2009 and following 2010 revealed even higher emigration activity then in 2004 just after accession to the EU. Nordic countries emerge as new and welcoming countries of destination. This research draws discussion on Latvian migrant characteristics in Nordic context – similarities and differences with migration flows to English speaking countries and other migrants in Nordic countries. Empirical evidence will be based on available statistical data and semi-structured interviews carried out with Latvian nationals currently living in Nordic countries.