Evaluation of reception centres under way

The Finnish Immigration Service began an overall evaluation of reception centres at the beginning of the year. During the evaluation, the Finnish Immigration Service will assess the reception centres in terms of how well they function, and their cost-effectiveness and security. On this basis, it will evaluate whether changes are needed, or some centres should be closed altogether.

In February, the Finnish Red Cross will provide the results of an extensive evaluation of its own units, in support of the evaluation carried out by the Finnish Immigration Service. The evaluation results will be used to develop the work and security of reception units, and in support of decision-making on the units’ future.

Range of measures to improve security

Several measures have been taken to improve the security of reception centres and their surroundings. Training has been arranged for e.g. the directors and staff of reception centres and asylum seekers have been given information about Finnish customs and laws. In addition, security and technical systems have been examined, and improved where necessary.

Field work has been done to improve the security situation and its development. Security experts from the Finnish Immigration Service will visit every reception centre in early 2016. The visits have begun in those reception centres which the police have listed as most challenging in terms of security. A total of 80 visits have been made so far.

Supervision of reception centres increased

The Finnish Immigration Service has updated its instructions on the supervision of reception centres. These require reception centres to report regularly on their activities and to draw up operational plans. The Finnish Immigration Service arranges training and provides instructions and advice for reception centres.

The Finnish Immigration Service also performs spot checks on reception centres to ensure that they are operating in line with all of its instructions. For example, health care experts from the Finnish Immigration Service carry out weekly supervision and evaluation visits at reception centres.

Several reception units will be closed

The following units will be closed:

• The Kornetintie unit in Helsinki by 28 February (run by Luona Oy, 160 beds)
• Pitkäjärvi in Kokemäki, 28 February (Finnish Red Cross, 70 beds),
• The Apukka unit in Rovaniemi by 28 February, (Finnish Red Cross, 150 beds)
• Nauvo, 30 April (Finnish Red Cross, 100 beds) and
• Riuttaranta in Vihti, 30 April (parish; 110 beds).

In addition, the capacity of the Hennala unit in Lahti has been reduced from 600 to 450 beds and will be reassessed if necessary. The capacity of the supported housing units for minors in Lakisto, Espoo, which are run by the Helsinki Deaconess Institute, will be reduced from 80 to 40 beds.

Within the expiry of fixed-term contracts or in accordance with other operational evaluations, reception units in Forssa, Kajaani, Hamina, Merikarvia and Iisalmi were closed during January.

Despite these closures, some centres already agreed will be established. For example, a reception centre with 300 beds, run by the city, will be established in Tampere.

Further information for the media

Jorma Kuuluvainen, Director of the Reception Unit, tel. +358 295 430 431, e-mail: firstname.lastname@migri.fi