Finland’s migration report to OECD provides an overview of migration 2016–2017
A new national migration report — International Migration 2016–2017, Report for Finland — has been published and submitted to the OECD. The report provides a concise summary of migration policy guidelines, key legislative amendments and up-to-date statistics.
The new migration report provides a comprehensive overview of how migration policy and the migration situation have evolved in Finland in 2016–2017.
The record number of asylum seekers in 2015 will influence the branch of the administration dealing with migration for several years to come. On account of rapid changes to the migration situation, Prime Minister Juha Sipilä's Government has carried out legislative reforms which seek to manage migration better and to streamline processes. There are also many new legislative projects underway.
However, migration does not just concern asylum seekers. The Ministry of the Interior is carrying out a number of legislative projects which, in line with the Government Programme, aim to promote labour migration that strengthens employment and public finances. Efforts have also been taken to promote equality and non-discrimination in various policy sectors, including migration.
The summary of the media commentary of the report shows that asylum policy and asylum seekers have been the focus of public discussion, with integration and the employment of immigrants being overshadowed by asylum issues.
Finland promotes labour migration
Last year, 26,071 people applied for their first residence permit in Finland, most of them on the grounds of family ties, work or studies.
According to the estimates, there are approximately 130,000 foreign workers in Finland, of whom 80,000 live and work here permanently. The Government migration policy programme, which is being prepared under the coordination of the Ministry of the Interior, aims to promote labour migration in particular. Global competition for international talents and companies is fierce, and Finland intends to succeed in this competition.
The national migration report is drawn up and submitted to the OECD annually. The report was compiled by the Migration Department of the Ministry of the Interior. Several other ministries and agencies, such as the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, contributed to the report.
Inquiries:
Anna Rundgren, Senior Adviser, tel. +358 295 488 210, anna.rundgren@intermin.fi
Jorma Vuorio, Director General, tel. +358 295 488 600, jorma.vuorio@intermin.fi