Finland reduces accommodation capacities, cuts financial aid to asylum seekers

The Finnish Immigration Service is reducing accommodation capacity due to fewer new applicants for international and temporary protection, and many recipients moving to municipalities. The department continually evaluates the necessity and cost-effectiveness of accommodation within the reception system. The agency adjusts the number of available places according to the current demand.

The changes to the reception system will be planned and implemented during the summer and autumn of 2024.

Elina Nurmi, Director of the Reception Services Department said on this occasion,

“As the need for accommodation decreases, we must also reduce the accommodation capacity in the reception system to maintain cost-effective operations.””Capacity will be scaled down by reducing the number of places in the existing reception units and closing some units. Some new reception units for adults and families will be converted into institutional reception units.”

The Finnish Immigration Service is responsible for the procurement, direction, and supervision of the reception units. The agency’s own reception units are located in Helsinki, Lappeenranta (Joutseno), and Oulu.

Decrease in new applicants

Finland has seen a reduction in the number of new applicants for international protection and recipients of temporary protection this spring. Additionally, many recipients of temporary protection have applied for a municipality of residence and moved from reception units to municipalities, further decreasing the need for accommodation provided by reception units.

Current Reception System Overview

Finland currently has 76 reception centers, including their branches and service points for clients in private accommodations, and 23 units for minors. The reception system currently serves approximately 27,800 customers, 43% of whom live in private accommodations. The majority of customers are Ukrainians under temporary protection.

Moving to a Municipality

Due to changes in the reception system, some asylum seekers may need to relocate from their current accommodation in reception units. If necessary, customers can transfer to another place, move to private accommodation, or relocate to a municipality.

“The reception units inform refugees well in advance to ensure they can prepare for the changes and decide whether to transfer to a municipality or arrange accommodation outside the unit,” says Nurmi.

Applying for a Municipality of Residence

Ukrainians who have received temporary protection may apply for a municipality of residence if they have been in Finland continuously for one year. By the end of June, the reception system will have approximately 11,000 recipients of temporary protection who can apply for a municipality of residence. Those who obtain a municipality of residence can choose their place of residence and have the same rights and access to services as other residents.

Finnish Parliament Reduces Financial Support for Asylum Seekers

The Finnish Parliament recently reduced financial support for asylum seekers, according to an article by Finland’s national broadcaster Yle (short for Yleisradio Oy) published on June 28.

1. Reduction in Reception Payments: The current ‘reception payment’ stands at 348.50 euros per month for single persons and single parents, and 102.15 euros if meals are provided at their reception center. Once the new law takes effect, financial support will be reduced to the lowest level allowed under European Union law.
2. Legislative Approval: Only one member of Parliament from a governing party voted against the bill. The reception payment covers those seeking international protection, those receiving temporary protection, and victims of human trafficking without a designated home municipality.
3. Changes for Rejected Asylum Seekers: The new law also stipulates that rejected asylum seekers will no longer be able to obtain a residence permit based on employment, entrepreneurship, or studies.

Already announced tougher rules for asylum seekers

Finland has already announced other tougher rules in April 2024 which were as follows:

• the tightening of international protection,
• the prevention of evasion of entry regulations,
• increasing the required time spent in the country from 5 to 8 years for migrants and refugees,
• and the introduction of the border procedure and the accelerated procedure.