Finland’s Immigration Service will almost halve its network of reception centres for asylum seekers. One reason for the decision is the decline in the number of Ukrainians arriving in the country because of the war.
As of early June, Finland had 30 units for adults, 13 for minors, as well as two detention centres. Eight centres have already been closed this year, and a further eight are planned to close by the end of February 2027.
“The number of asylum seekers has fallen, and the number of people fleeing the war in Ukraine to Finland is not increasing. At the same time, many reception centre clients have registered as residents of municipalities and moved into other accommodation,” said Elina Nurmi, Head of Reception Services at the Finnish Immigration Service.
She said the situation also changed after amendments to the Reception Act introduced in September. Under the changes, services for asylum seekers are discontinued three months after they receive a residence permit and become eligible to apply for a municipality of residence.
People under temporary protection must also register as residents of a municipality within three months of being granted the relevant right. This rule applies, among others, to Ukrainians.
Residents of centres that are to be closed will be transferred to other facilities. Each is designed to accommodate around 300 people.
“When making transfers, we take into account residents’ wishes and ties to their place of residence, such as work or education leading to a qualification. However, this is not always possible,” Nurmi added.