Mass influx of migrants and preparedness

The Migration Department of the Ministry of the Interior directs and coordinates preparations for a mass influx of migrants and the measures needed to respond.

A mass influx of migrants is a situation in which a large number of foreign nationals arrive in Finland in a short period of time and apply for asylum or temporary protection, or their conditions for entry are unclear. Such a situation may arise abruptly, for example due to the massive displacement of people from another country towards Finland. A gradual increase in the number of migrants may also lead to a disturbance if it continues for a long time.

Instrumentalised migration refers to a situation orchestrated by a foreign state or other actor. Instrumentalisation of migration can be used to destabilise or exert pressure on Finland.

A wide range of measures are available

Finnish legislation makes it possible to use a wide range of measures to control and manage a mass influx of migration. Depending on the circumstances, these measures may be implemented separately or together as necessary.

If the number of migrants starts to grow:

• Border crossing points may be closed or cross-border traffic restricted.
• The submission of asylum applications may be concentrated at one or more border crossing points.
• Border controls at internal borders may be reintroduced.
• The capacity to register and receive migrants may be increased.
• The border procedure allows quick processing of asylum applications considered unfounded immediately at or near the border. 
• Finland may request support from EU agencies: the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex or the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA).
• If Finland faces instrumentalised migration, a separate decision on applying the Border Security Act may be made based on the seriousness of the situation. The act lays down the conditions under which Finland may temporarily restrict the reception of asylum applications. Its aim is to prevent efforts to exert pressure on Finland by using migrants as tools for exerting influence.

If the situation becomes severe enough to warrant a state of emergency in Finland, powers laid down in the Emergency Powers Act could be introduced. This would give the authorities additional powers, for example to organise the transport and accommodation of migrants and to restrict movement.

The authorities and organisations work together

The Ministry of the Interior guides the Finnish Immigration Service in planning preparedness and in activities during such situations. Operating under the guidance of the Finnish Immigration Service, the reception system for asylum seekers handles the reception of asylum seekers and beneficiaries of temporary protection. The Finnish Immigration Service also processes migrants’ permit applications. 

Other key authorities in managing the situation include the Finnish Border Guard and the police, which are responsible for registering migrants and maintaining border security and public order and security.

Preparation and response require cooperation between a wide range of authorities and other parties. For example, the Finnish Red Cross, municipalities, private actors and various organisations also play a key role in maintaining reception centres.