Finland Times

 

Iraqi refugees wait for getting in a Tornio refugee reception centre. File Photo Lehtikuva.

At least 10,000 immigrants would be moving to Finland's municipalities next year, said a press release of the Ministry of Employment and the Economy.

 

The number is many times higher than in previous years, owing to the increase in the number of asylum applicants, according to the authorities concerned.

 

The Ministry of Employment and the Economy, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities in a letter sent to Finnish local authorities on Tuesday said that it was advisable for them to prepare for an increased need for placement of immigrants in the municipalities.

 

According to current predictions, about 25,000 to 30,000 asylum seekers will arrive in Finland this year.

 

The rise is caused by a number of conflicts that have driven unprecedented numbers of people to seek safety outside of their home regions. Many of the applicants are likely to get a residence permit in Finland.

 

In addition to asylum seekers, placement is needed by quota refugees, comprising about 800 persons each year, said the release.

 

When the asylum process ends, it is important to ensure that those who have been granted residence permits can get a placement smoothly and quickly. The goal is to make relocation in municipalities a controlled process based on voluntary agreements reached in advance with the local authorities.

 

The state gives local authorities economic support in receiving immigrants. Computational compensation is paid to municipalities for persons who are granted international protection.

 

In addition, local authorities are compensated for certain expenses linked with social services and health care according to cost for a fixed period of time, as well as interpretation and translation services.