New reception law brings slight changes to the everyday life of asylum seekers

A new law governing the reception of asylum seekers will enter into force on 1 September 2011. Any impact on the everyday life of asylum seekers will derive from changes relating mainly to financial support, the confiscation of certain substances and objects, and transfers from one reception centre to another.

Income support replaced by reception and spending allowances

From the beginning of September asylum seekers will be paid a reception allowance in place of the previous income support, while unaccompanied minors living in a group home will be paid a spending allowance.

The basic monthly reception allowance will be

• 291,16 euros for single persons and single parents, or 85,34 euros if in a reception centre that provides meals,
• 245,98 euros for other persons over 18 years of age, or 70,28 euros if in a reception centre that provides meals,
• 185,74 euros for a child who lives with his/her family, or 55,22 euros if in a reception centre that provides meals.

Supplementary reception allowance for special expenses

Besides the basic reception allowance, an asylum seeker may be granted a supplementary reception allowance for individual special needs, such as a pram, children’s recreational expenses, or travel expenses for attending an asylum interview. The need for a supplementary allowance will be considered separately for each individual.

In addition, health care expenses that are more than petty expenses, such as prescription drugs and eyeglasses, may be paid in the form of a reception allowance.

Spending allowance for unaccompanied minors

An unaccompanied minor who seeks asylum in Finland will be granted a spending allowance in place of the reception allowance if he/she lives in a group home or similar unit providing full upkeep, that is, meals, clothes, health care and recreational expenses. The spending allowance is intended for use by the minors themselves so that they will learn how to use money independently.

The monthly spending allowance will be 25,10 euros for an unaccompanied minor under 16 years of age, and 45,18 euros for an unaccompanied minor 16 years or over. A spending allowance may also be a lesser amount if considered reasonable in view of the minor’s age and level of development.

An unaccompanied minor living in private accommodation or a support housing unit intended for those over 16 years of age will be paid a reception allowance instead of a spending allowance. This will equal the allowance of an adult living alone, that is, 291,16 euros, or 85,34 euros if in a reception centre that provides meals.

The payment of a reception allowance will not be automatic

The reception allowance will not be paid automatically, but must be applied for as instructed by the reception centre. Income and assets available to the asylum seeker will also influence the amount of the reception allowance.

All who reside in reception centres during the waiting period are expected to participate in work and study activities. If a resident repeatedly refuses to participate in work and study activities, his/her reception allowance may be reduced by up to 20 per cent for a period not exceeding two months.

Dangerous possessions confiscated

Reception centre staff are obliged to confiscate all dangerous substances and objects possessed by residents, such as drugs, firearms and edged weapons. Staff may also inspect the premises used by residents if they suspect the presence of dangerous objects or substances.

Possessions thus seized must be returned at the end of the residence period, except for possessions whose return, surrender or disposal has been otherwise provided for in law. The return of possessions seized by the police will be decided upon by the police themselves. Drugs or illegally possessed weapons, for example, will not be returned.

Accommodation may be transferred from one centre to another

Where necessary, an asylum seeker may be transferred to another reception centre. Accommodation must be arranged in such a way that members of the same family can live together if they so desire.

Asylum seekers will be transferred from “transit” centres to “waiting” centres as soon as the asylum process allows. Transfer may also be appropriate if an applicant obtains easier access in another centre to treatment required by his/her physical condition, or if he/she is the cause of disturbance in the present centre.

The decision on the accommodation and transfer will be made by the reception centre. The resident must be heard before a decision is made. In the case of an unaccompanied minor, the representative of the minor must also be heard when making a decision on transfer.

19.8.2011