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Finnish Immigration Service, building an economically sustainable and secure Finland

The Finnish Immigration Service makes permit decisions in matters related to immigration, asylum, refugee status and citizenship and runs the reception system of Finland.We provide immigration-related public services for the needs of our society. We provide predictable services of high quality that contribute to a well-functioning, secure society and enhance Finland’s competitiveness. In addition, we provide specialist and information services in support of political decision-making and for national and international cooperation.

We are responsible for the reception system for persons applying for international protection, the detention units for foreign nationals and the assistance system for victims of human trafficking.

We operate under the supervision of the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.  

Our values

  • Transparent
  • Reliable
  • Evolving

Our goals

  • We strengthen the operational effectiveness, financial sustainability and transparency of our work.
  • We contribute to a well-functioning and secure society by ensuring predictable, uniform and adequate public services.
  • We strengthen our role as an expert in the field of immigration.
  • We build our work on organisational integrity and effective leadership.

Read more about our strategy: Summary of organisational strategy of the Finnish Immigration Service 2025-2027 (PDF)

Our organisation

Organisation of the Finnish Immigration Service Director General Ilkka Haahtela Cabinet Mira Keränen Internal Audit Johan Strann Finance Unit Kari Kananen Communications Unit Klaus Kaartinen Human Resources Unit Karoliina Ruuskanen Security Unit Jouni Pousi Permit and Citizenship Department Pauliina Helminen Department for International Protection Antti Lehtinen Reception Services Department Elina Nurmi Control and Monitoring Department  Tirsa Forssell Information Services Unit Johannes Hirvelä Digital Services Unit Tarmo Jukarainen Customer Relations and Facility Management Unit Harriet Mallenius Legal and Specialist Services Unit Johanna Waal Transformation Unit Anna Cheung

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Read more about the duties of the Finnish Immigration Service and the division of tasks in immigration matters

Further information

Working for the Finnish Immigration Service

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