Press releases

Almost 12,000 Ukrainians have applied for temporary protection in Finland this year

The purpose of temporary protection is to provide swift help to those fleeing the war in Ukraine. This year, the number of people seeking temporary protection in Finland has been lower than in previous years. The total number of applicants is 11,762, which is 37 per cent less than in the corresponding period last year.

Finnish Immigration Service establishes permanent posts

The Finnish Immigration Service will establish approximately 300–400 permanent posts next year. This is due to the exceptional staff structure of the agency, with as much as half of the staff having a fixed-term public-service employment relationship. The establishment of these permanent posts will not increase the number of staff members. Instead, positions with tasks of a permanent nature will be made permanent and filled. At the same time, the agency is adjusting its operations and increasing its operational efficiency, since its operating expenses will be cut by approximately 13 per cent next year.

Work-based migration to Finland higher than before COVID-19, number of international students growing

The growth of labour migration to Finland has slowed down, but the application figures still remain on a higher level than in the years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of international students in Finland is increasing.

The Finnish Immigration Service is investigating the realisation of the terms of employment of wild-berry pickers from Thailand

The Finnish Immigration Service carried out a new kind of follow-up on the working conditions and pay of wild-berry pickers from Thailand. Follow-up monitoring was carried out at the airport in close cooperation with border authorities.

Migration to Finland increasingly seamless and controlled

According to the current Government Programme, migration to Finland must be streamlined and controlled. The Finnish Immigration Service has contributed significantly to advancing both objectives. The Finnish Immigration Service has now conducted automation-supported post-decision monitoring of residence permits for one year, while successfully accelerating the processing of residence permit applications made on the basis of work or studies.

Contracts for additional places in reception centres not continued next year

The Finnish Immigration Service will make adjustments to the reception system to better meet the current demand. Capacity will be reduced by not continuing the contracts for additional places in the reception centres that were put out to tender in 2023–2024. In addition, the number of rental flats provided by the Oulu reception centre will be reduced.

Two group homes for minors to be closed down by Finnish Immigration Service

The Finnish Immigration Service will close down the Lahti and Savonlinna group homes, which have been housing unaccompanied minors who are seeking asylum or temporary protection.

Longer period of residence required for citizenship

The period of residence required for acquiring Finnish citizenship will be extended as of 1 October 2024. The general period of residence requirement will be 8 years. The purpose of the amended legislation regarding citizenship is to emphasise the importance of successful integration as a prerequisite for citizenship. For applicants who meet the language skills requirement, for example, the required period of residence will be 5 years.

Competitive tendering procedure for IT services related to immigration matters completed

New border procedure introduced on 1 September 2024

Finnish Immigration Service to change income thresholds for residence permits as of 1 November 2024

Processing times for students’ residence permit applications continue to improve despite increasing numbers

Wild-berry pickers are applying for a residence permit for the first time – all applications have been processed

The Finnish Immigration Service is reducing the amount of accommodation in the reception system

“Football Belongs to Everyone” tour in reception units – Football serves as a bridge between different cultures

Finnish Immigration Service’s chatbot partly disabled – customer data has not been compromised

Finnish Immigration Service introduces automated post-decision monitoring of specialists' residence permits

Summer berry season: Ukrainians employed on farms; Thai wild berry pickers must have an employment contract for the first time

Finnish Immigration Service reforms organisational structure to enhance ability to address changes in security environment and meet Government Programme targets

European Migration Network Annual Report 2023: An increasing number of immigrants continue to work in Finland