Government to decide on measures to facilitate asylum situation in Northern Finland

Asylum situation in Northern Finland has become increasingly challenging. The Government will decide on measures to be taken to facilitate the situation this Thursday. The Ministry of the Interior will present a proposal for speeding up the initial reception of asylum seekers to the Government. The Government parties have already reached agreement on the matter. Finland will not consider reintroduction of checks at internal borders at this point but will be prepared for it, if necessary. The authorities will also enhance their cooperation at the border.

The Government decision to set up centres for speeding up the initial reception of asylum seekers will authorise the Finnish Immigration Service to establish such centres throughout the country, if necessary. The first centre will be set up in Northern Finland, as most asylum seekers are now coming to Finland via Sweden crossing the border at Tornio. Searches to find premises suitable for operating the centre are underway.

Centres for the initial reception of asylum seekers will help Finnish authorities to manage migration flows. Under the Aliens Act, those whose identity or requirements for entry are unclear may be sent to such centres, where their identity and requirements for entry will be verified. Those in need of international protection may apply for asylum.

Centres for the initial reception of asylum seekers to help with registration

It is necessary to establish centres for the initial reception of asylum seekers to reduce the backlog in registration at police stations. Any premises where people can be provided with decent shelter, food and washing facilities are suitable for use as such centres. Immigration authorities can take all measures necessary to receive asylum seekers at a single centre.

Inquiries:

Päivi Nerg, Permanent Secretary, tel. +358 295 418 803, [email protected] (requests for interviews with the Permanent Secretary outside office hours: Mika Mäkinen, Director of Press and Communications Services, tel. +358 50 555 3425)