Govt may compel municipalities to set up asylum centres | national

Thu, 03 Sep, 2015 12:08:03 AM

Govt may compel municipalities to set up asylum centres

FTimes – STT Report, Sep 3

Turku reception center erected tents along with asylum seekers, workers and volunteers from September 1, 2015. The Red Cross set up the four 6-16 men tents that bring temporary relief at the overcrowded centre. Photo – Lehtikuva.

Interior Minister Petteri Orpo said reception centres for asylum seekers could be set up in reluctant municipalities in the future, reported the Finnish language daily Helsingin Sanomat.

This decision will, however, be carried out if it is necessary, Orpo said.

According to Orpo, the voluntary basis still remains the preferred way, at least for now. New accommodation is currently needed for thousands of asylum seekers.

The chair of Kansallinen Kokoomus (National Coalition Party) parliamentary group Arto Satonen on Tuesday said the government may oblige municipalities to receive asylum seekers.

The Finnish Immigration Service has asked different municipalities about the possibility to set up accommodation places for immigrants in certain properties.

Municipalities such as Vihti and Keuruu have rejected the proposal. The envisaged reception centre in Keuruu would have accommodated 500 asylum seekers in its former garrison facilities.

Finland Times