Press releases

Immigration in 2022: Russia’s attack on Ukraine had wide-ranging impact on immigration to Finland

Last year saw a record number of people apply for protection in Finland following Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Meanwhile, the number of residence permits issued on the basis of work continued to grow, with many professionals also bringing their families to Finland.

Residence permits of people who have fled Ukraine will be automatically extended until 4 March 2024

Starting from 19 January 2023, the Finnish Immigration Service will extend all residence permits granted on the basis of temporary protection so that the permits are valid until 4 March 2024. This means that clients who have fled to Finland from Ukraine do not need to do anything to get their permit extended.

Elina Nurmi appointed as Director of Reception Unit

The Finnish Immigration Service has appointed Elina Nurmi, Master of Arts, as Director of Reception Unit. She will take up the post on 1 February 2023.

Finnish Immigration Service conducts inquiry into case of Mongolian nurse

The Finnish Immigration Service has conducted an internal inquiry into the case reported on by Helsingin Sanomat on 10 December 2022, which concerned a customer who had completed a degree in Finland and applied for a residence permit to look for work.

Finnish Immigration Service to establish new reception centres on 29 November

The Finnish Immigration Service is preparing to set up new reception centres due to the increased need to provide accommodation for people fleeing Ukraine. By 28 November 2022, those fleeing Ukraine due to the Russian military attack had submitted 45,267 applications for temporary protection.

A record number of international students move to Finland in 2022

The number of international students moving to Finland increased considerably this year. By the end of October 2022, first-time residence permits for studies had been granted to 7,060 applicants from outside the EU.

Finnish Immigration Service to establish new reception centres on 24 October

The Finnish Immigration Service is preparing to set up new reception centres due to the increased need to provide accommodation for people fleeing Ukraine.

Answers to questions regarding accommodation arrangements for Ukrainians and Russians

The accommodation in reception centres of Ukrainians and Russians has recently given rise to public discussion.

Ukrainians and Russians staying in reception centres to be accommodated separately

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

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

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

An increasing number of specialists choose to move to Finland

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

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

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

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

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