Finland Times

The influx of refugees in the country is likely to be lowered than the earlier estimated number, according to the reports on the registration and return policy of the asylum seekers.

The Interior Ministry on Wednesday announced new downgraded figures of the estimation of refugees expected to arrive in the country by the end of the year.

The new figure is estimated at between 30,000 and 35,000 asylum seekers by the end of the year, about 20,000 lower than the previously estimated number of 50,000.

Interior Minister Petteri Orpo believes mandatory registration has had the desired effect on registration of asylum seekers.

Speaking in the parliament on Wednesday Orpo said it has been possible to direct the influx of asylum seekers to Tornio where registration centres has managed to handle registration matters.

The country also announced to have made asylum criteria more stringent with regard to the largest group of asylum seekers − the Iraqis. Furthermore, the country is negotiating an asylum return agreement with Iraq.

According to Orpo, those who do not have sufficient asylum grounds may be compelled to think if information goes around that the country has tightened its return policy.

Orpo also pointed out the enhanced control of immigration initiated by Sweden a couple of weeks ago has a huge effect in the asylum figures in Finland.

“The Swedish situation is all in all quite challenging. Sweden estimated last week that they may receive 150,000 to 180,000 asylum seekers, which is indeed a huge figure,” Orpo said.

Orpo stated that the situation is Sweden will be closely monitored since it could affect Finland fast.