Press releases

Immigration statistics 2021: A record-high number of applications for residence permits on the basis of work

In 2021, the Finnish Immigration Service received more applications for a residence permit on the basis of work than ever before, whereas the number of asylum applications was exceptionally low.

The number of child human trafficking victims has more than doubled

The number of minors referred to the Assistance System for Victims of Human Trafficking has doubled compared to previous years. In 2021, 28 of the new clients admitted to the Assistance System were children or young people under 18. 27 of them had been victims of exploitation indicating human trafficking outside Finland and one of abuse taking place in Finland. In previous years, the number of minors admitted to the system varied between 10 and 14.

Return of funds from asylum seekers’ prepaid cards has not been resolved, search for solution continues

The Finnish Immigration Service has conducted an extensive investigation into returning the funds remaining in asylum seekers’ Moni card accounts. So far, no satisfactory solution has been found.

Progress in the preparation of fast track service – specialists’ and start-up entrepreneurs’ move to Finland to become quicker

Specialists’ and start-up entrepreneurs’ entry into the country will be easier next year. The fast track service currently under preparation will help professionals to start working in Finland more quickly. Customers will also be able to anticipate the processing of their application better than before.

New country guidelines for Afghanistan – extensive assessment of the security situation to continue

The Finnish Immigration Service has drawn up new guidelines for the decision-making on Afghan citizens’ asylum and residence permit applications. For the time being, Afghan citizens are not issued with negative decisions that would lead to removal from the country.

The number of asylum seekers remained low

The number of asylum seekers entering Finland is currently low. The number decreased due to the coronavirus pandemic and has not returned to the pre-pandemic level.

Residence permit on the basis of employment is now granted much faster than last year

This year, foreign employees have been issued with residence permits on the basis of work considerably faster than last year.

Report: Human trafficking victims have a long road from exploitation to a fair working life

The Finnish employment service system is not flexible enough to meet the different needs of victims of human trafficking and exploitation. This is revealed in a report by the National Assistance System for Victims of Human Trafficking and the European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control (HEUNI). The report looks at Finnish employment services for victims of human trafficking and exploitation with a foreign background.

British citizens resident in Finland must apply for right of residence by 30 September

Upturn in the number of international students

Assistance System for Victims of Human Trafficking offers working life training to victims

Helsinki Reception Centre to become part of Finnish Immigration Service

Elina Immonen to take up post as new Deputy Director-General of Finnish Immigration Service

Finnish Immigration Service coordinates the reception of evacuees from Afghanistan

Finnish Immigration Service prepared to receive additional evacuees from Afghanistan in accordance with Government decision

Finnish Immigration Service to reduce reception centre capacity as number of new asylum seekers remains low

More transparent mental health work and better mental health expertise at reception centres

Nearly a thousand are receiving help from the assistance system for victims of human trafficking

EUR 50,000 for football at reception centres – top players to coach asylum seekers

Finnish Immigration Service improves customer service at service points – thousands of new appointments to be added to the booking system