The Finnish Immigration Service Migri has announced a large-scale reduction in the network of reception centers for asylum seekers across the country. This step is driven by objective demographic and migration changes, specifically a decline in the overall number of incoming refugees and the integration of individuals already residing in the state into local self-government.
Scale and Timeline of Unit Closures
This year, eight reception centers and group homes for refugees have already ceased operations in Finland. According to the approved Migri plan, another eight specialized units will be closed by the end of February 2027. In particular, at the end of November this year, the reception center in Kuopio, managed by Kotokunta, will complete its operations. A unique feature of this center was that its residents lived not in general facilities, but in separate apartments specifically rented for them.
Statistics and Reasons for Optimization
As a result of this optimization, the number of such centers in the country will be reduced by almost half. While as of early June Finland operated 30 units for adults, 13 centers for unaccompanied minors, and two detention centers, the infrastructure is now shrinking. Elina Nurmi, Head of Reception Unit Services at Migri, emphasized that the reduction is directly related to a decrease in the number of clients, the absence of a sharp increase in the flow of refugees from Ukraine recently, and the mass transition of migrants to permanent residence in municipalities.
New Integration Rules and Deadlines for Ukrainians
An additional factor changing the situation is the new rules that came into effect in September. According to the updated legislation, reception center services terminate exactly three months after an asylum seeker receives an official residence permit and the legal right to apply for assignment to a specific municipality. Similar requirements apply to beneficiaries of temporary protection, primarily Ukrainian citizens. They are required to officially move to municipalities within three months of obtaining these rights.
