The Finnish Immigration Service has drafted a new background memo on Country of Origin Information (COI), aimed particularly at journalists.
Lately there has been critical discussion in the media regarding the up-to-dateness, sources and objectivity of the Country of Origin Information provided by the Finnish Immigration Service. This memo plays a part in answering the discussion by providing journalists with a concise information package concerning the manner in which the Finnish Immigration Service obtains information on countries of origin and how this information is used to support decision-making.
The memo also explains how the credibility of asylum applications is assessed on the basis of Country of Origin Information.
What is Country of Origin Information?
Country of Origin Information means up-to-date, accurate information on the conditions in a country, obtained from various sources. The Country Information Service of the Finnish Immigration Service produces Country of Origin Information (COI) especially on countries where asylum seekers, quota refugees and immigrants come to Finland.
Country of Origin Information is used in support of decision-making especially in the processing of applications concerning international protection (asylum applications) but also residence permits and citizenship. Country of Origin Information is taken into account when processing the application, alongside information provided by the applicant.
In addition to the needs of the Finnish Immigration Service, country of origin information is provided for national and international authorities, interest groups and organisations.
Background memos available from Communications
The Finnish Immigration Service has previously drafted background memos for media on consideration regarding marriages of convenience, granting of residence permits for other relatives, deportation, and the asylum procedure.
All these background memos are available in Finnish from the Communications Unit of the Finnish Immigration Service.
Further information for the media
Sirpa Ranta, Head of Country Information, Legal Service and Country Information Unit, tel. +358 71 873 0431, e-mail: firstname.lastname@migri.fi
