Finnish District Courts assign a representative to each asylum seeker who is younger than 18 and has arrived in Finland without a guardian. The representative’s task is to ensure that the child’s best interests are taken into account in different situations. The Finnish Immigration Service will pay the representative’s fee.
The representative uses the right of action that belongs to the guardian of a minor child, helps the child with official matters or takes care of the child’s matters on his or her behalf with the Finnish authorities. For example, the representative participates in the child’s asylum interview which is a part of the processing of his or her asylum application.
The representative is not responsible for the daily maintenance, upbringing or other care of the child. These matters are the responsibility of the reception centre.
Instruction for representatives: handling matters with the Finnish Immigration Service
Enter Finland for counsels and representatives
Information about the asylum process for children without a guardian