The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has granted municipalities EUR 3 million to develop guidance and counselling services for immigrants
The subsidies were awarded to 21 projects implemented by municipalities, which aim to improve the integration and employment of immigrants.
In the spring, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment organised a call for applications for municipalities to develop guidance and counselling services for immigrants and to implement the services launched in recent years. Subsidies were awarded to 21 projects that aim to improve the integration and employment of immigrants by developing guidance and counselling services and the related multi-sectoral cooperation.
Approximately EUR 3 million were granted to projects between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023. Most of the funded projects develop guidance and counselling services regionally or in cooperation with several municipalities. The projects take place in the largest cities and regional centres where a significant number of foreign-language speakers reside.
The subsidies are also used to support the development of a national network of guidance and counselling services and to implement the services. Thanks to the multi-channel and network-like operating models and cooperation, guidance and counselling can also be offered in the neighbouring municipalities of the project cities.
Development of national features (in Finnish)
Low-threshold guidance and counselling services for immigrants: Final report of the study