The municipal model for accommodation to end at the end of 2023

12.6.2023 11.18

Press release

The contracts between reception centres and municipalities were made for a fixed term and are valid until 31 December 2023. After this, the contracts will not be renewed as there is no longer a need for additional accommodation arrangements. The contracts will expire without notice.

The Finnish Immigration Service developed the municipality model for accommodation in spring 2022 as a response to the exceptional situation caused by the war of aggression in Russia. At the beginning of 2022, there were around 5,000 customers in the reception system, and by the end of the year their number had increased to around 43,500.

The model was developed as a temporary solution to compensate municipalities for the costs of accommodation and guidance services for applicants and beneficiaries of temporary protection. The original purpose of the municipal model was to enable people fleeing the war in Ukraine to stay in the place where they had settled when they arrived in Finland.

There is no longer a need for exceptional accommodation arrangements

Since the launch of the municipal model, the accommodation capacity of the reception system has increased considerably. In addition, the network of reception centres has become more extensive at regional level. Currently, there are 107 reception centres, secondary branches of the centres and private accommodation service points, as well as 10 units for minors in Finland. The reception system is sufficient to cope with the accommodation needs under normal circumstances.

In its decision, the Finnish Immigration Service has also taken into account that around 5,500 people accommodated through the municipality model may choose to apply for a municipality of residence in Finland during 2023. By applying for a municipality of residence, customers have the right to settle in the municipality of their choice.

There are currently around 45,500 customers registered in the reception system 51% of whom live in reception centres and 35% in private accommodation. The remaining 14%, or around 6,200 people receiving temporary protection, are accommodated in nearly 140 municipalities across Finland through the municipal model. Every person who applies for or is granted temporary protection is a customer of a reception centre, even if they live in municipal accommodation.

“The municipal model will be brought to a close in close cooperation with municipalities and reception centres through customer-oriented solutions. The Finnish Immigration Service will inform and advise customers accommodated through the municipal model with separate customer instructions. The reception centres also support the transition to municipal residence by offering advice and guidance. For customers accommodated through the municipal model who do not or cannot apply for a municipality of residence before the end of the year, accommodation will be provided at the reception centre,” says Elina Nurmi, Director of the Reception Unit.

The Finnish Immigration Service is responsible for the coordination, planning and supervision of the reception system. The Finnish Immigration Service has reception centres in Helsinki, Lappeenranta (Joutseno) and Oulu. Other reception centres are run by organisations, municipalities and private enterprises, among others.