Reception system assessment completed

The Finnish Immigration Service has conducted an assessment of the reception system in Finland from the safety, functionality and economic perspectives. The assessment of units for minor asylum seekers is still in progress.

This is the first time such an assessment has been conducted. In autumn 2015, more than 120 reception centres and 60 units for minors were established in Finland. An assessment of the reception centres was deemed necessary in these new and changed circumstances, in order to form a clear picture of how the reception centres work, and to offer support and advice in the right places. The assessment was also useful when deciding on which reception centres were to be closed.

The assessment focused on the reception system as a whole. The assessment methods are being continuously developed, and in the future reception centres will be regularly assessed. In this way, the Finnish Immigration Service will know that its instructions are being followed, and that the reception centres are providing appropriate and timely reception services.

What was assessed?

The safety assessment at reception centres focused on the location, facilities, residents, occupational safety, and fire safety and rescue aspects. Specialists from the Finnish Immigration Service visited all reception centres, more than 200 in total, at the beginning of the year.

The functionality assessment covered areas such as the quality and smooth provision of reception services, client feedback, feedback from the local community, and compliance with instructions and guidelines regarding reception.

The assessment of economy involved a comparison between the cost of accommodation per day in reception units last year. Because last year’s figures include substantial start-up costs, the results of the comparison are indicative.

What were the results?

In terms of safety, there was room for improvement in all reception centres, but the situation was not hopeless anywhere. Many of the shortcomings could be attributed to lack of time. For instance, fire and rescue plans were inadequate and had not yet been adopted in some centres.

The assessment of functionality showed that experienced service providers such as the state, municipalities and the Finnish Red Cross stood out, but the level of service in the new reception centres was also appropriate. As a rule, the instructions and guidelines of the Finnish Immigration Service are duly complied with.

In terms of economy, the targets set for last year were not met. The average cost of accommodation per day in reception centres was EUR 66 per client against the target of EUR 37 per client. The start-up costs increased the costs. The cost level will normalise as the operations continue.

What will change?

Based on the results, several steps have been taken to improve safety. For instance, uniform house rules have been prepared for adoption in all reception centres, and staff training will continue.

The Finnish Immigration Service has been or will be in touch with centres in which action is required to improve service quality or functionality. In April, a reception centre monitoring programme will be launched to keep better track of service provision.

The Finnish Immigration Service will intensify financial steering and organise regular training and consultation for reception centres on financial issues. Other measures include the re-negotiation of service agreements with operators.

Further information for the media

On 29 March: Jaana Vuorio, Director General, tel. 0295 430 431, e-mail: firstname.lastname@migri.fi

From 30 March onwards: Jorma Kuuluvainen, Director of Reception Unit, tel. 0295 430 431, firstname.lastname@migri.fi