Information for those who work as an official in TE Office services, municipality or the health and social sector

The planning of the Integration 2024 event is about to start. First, the application for the planning groups of the event will be opened. The Integration 2024 has a new programme structure and planning teams or area coordinators for special theme areas are not looked for this time, but the event has enough tasks for many people. The event will take place in Turku, Logomo on 14–15 November 2024.

The Government has proposed amendments to the Act on the Promotion of Immigrant Integration (Integration Act), which will enter into force on 1 January 2025. The aim is that the changes will strengthen general government finances, increase immigrants’ own responsibility for integration and improve the position immigrant mothers. Comments on the Government’s proposed amendments will be accepted until 23 October 2023.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has updated the instructions on compensating municipalities and wellbeing services counties for costs under the Integration Act (1386/2010). The instructions have been updated with regard to payments of imputed reimbursements paid to municipalities and wellbeing services counties that are not processed through the automated payments system. The revised payment process is described in the compensation instructions, which also includes other smaller revisions.

A report commissioned by the Centre of Expertise in Immigrant Integration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will collect information on the employment and future plans of those receiving temporary protection in Finland. The study also aims to find out how TE and integration services should be developed to better promote the employment and integration of beneficiaries of temporary protection. The first step will be to collect data from TE services experts, employers, Ukrainians receiving temporary protection and others, such as organisations. 

The benefits granted by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) are available to those who have lived in Finland for one year. Many of the people who have fled Ukraine will therefore become eligible for benefits soon. Based on residence or a longer term employment, those who have fled Ukraine can apply for child benefit and housing allowance, among other things. Kela will ease the application process for benefits by introducing a joint application form for a Kela card and child benefit.