Press releases

Operation of reception centres in several geographical areas put out to tender by the Finnish Immigration Service

As a result of competitive tendering, the Finnish Immigration Service has issued procurement decisions concerning the establishment of new reception centres in several geographical areas. In total, the Finnish Immigration Service will conclude 16 agreements on reception centres. The reception centres that were tendered for are supposed to open as soon as possible.

The Finnish Immigration Service to establish new reception centres on 8 September

The Finnish Immigration Service is preparing to set up new reception centres due to the increased need to provide accommodation for people fleeing Ukraine. Most of those fleeing Ukraine are staying in private accommodation.

Assessment by UNHCR finds best interests of the child to be a primary consideration in asylum decisions issued by the Finnish Immigration Service

At the request of the Finnish Immigration Service, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has assessed how the best interests of a child are considered in the asylum procedure in Finland.

An increasing number of specialists choose to move to Finland

This year, the Finnish Immigration Service has seen a clear increase in the number of residence permit applications submitted by specialists. In January–July, international specialists submitted 1,627 first residence permit applications, which amounts to approximately a thousand applications more than in the corresponding period last year (January–July 2021: 621).

Over 35,000 have applied for temporary protection in Finland – more customers within reception system than ever before

More than 37,000 persons are currently registered in the reception system, which is more than ever before. Before this, the highest number of customers within the reception system was recorded in 2015, when over 32,000 asylum seekers arrived in Finland.

Growing number of victims of exploitation referred to the assistance system for victims of human trafficking – Forced labour the most common form of human trafficking in Finland

This year, a record number of victims of exploitation have been referred to the assistance system for victims of human trafficking. Many of them are considered to have fallen victim to human trafficking for forced labour or to other forms of labour exploitation in Finland.

Russian invasion of Ukraine is visible on berry farms – exceptionally low number of applications from seasonal workers

This year, seasonal workers have submitted considerably fewer applications than last year. Every summer, thousands of foreign workers work on Finnish berry and vegetable plantations and farms. Many seasonal workers have come to Finland especially from Ukraine.

Municipalities are compensated for costs associated with the accommodation of people who have fled Ukraine – compensation can be received until March 2023

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, 31 590 applications for temporary protection have been submitted in Finland, mostly by Ukrainians. Those granted temporary protection are entitled to reception services.

The Finnish Immigration Service to establish new reception centres 1 July

Temporary protection in Finland granted to over 25,000 people fleeing Ukraine – changes to reporting of statistics

The Finnish Immigration Service to establish new reception centres 10 June

Åland’s first reception centre starts its operations

Specialists’ and start-up entrepreneurs’ entry becomes quicker – fast track service will be introduced on 1 June

Assessment of security situation in Kabul completed

Temporary protection in Finland granted to over 20,000 people fleeing Ukraine – decisions now issued quickly

The Finnish Immigration Service to establish new reception centres 6 May

Municipalities receive compensation for costs associated with the reception of people who have fled Ukraine

Payments of reception allowance made faster after delays

Temporary protection granted to about 13,000 people – the decision process is now faster

The Finnish Immigration Service to establish new reception centres 21 April