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Information for those who work with refugees

The reasons behind becoming a refugee may be diverse, and people moving to a country as refugees may need different support depending on their situation. The person’s possible trauma and different level of competence should be taken into account in customer work. It is important to face the customer as a person and find out their need for support and guidance.
 

A man and a woman hold hands together

Hands are together on the table.
Reception of refugees Assigning municipalities of residence and planning services are key activities of municipalities when receiving refugees.
Street in Helsinki.
State compensation for municipalities Municipalities can receive compensation for costs arising from the reception of refugees. Compensation covers interpretation services, special costs in social welfare and healthcare and imputed compensation.
A person is squatting on a rock and touching the surface of the water with his hand.
Refugees and people under international protection This section contains information on the arrival of quota refugees and asylum seekers in Finland and reception to municipalities.
A man is holding a child.
Children, young people and families Integration work with children, young people and families involves a family orientation, support for the integration of children and young people, representation of minors, aftercare and uniting families.
People sit in a circle and hold each other’s hands.
PALOMA training The PALOMA training provides practical information on the mental health and well-being of refugees for people meeting them at work and students.
A patch is put on the child's arm. The child is in the woman's arms.
Health and social services for refugees Health and social services directed specifically for refugees include health examinations and the provision of long-term social welfare and healthcare.

News for those working with refugees

EU prepares to extend temporary protection
17.6.2026 | News item
The temporary protection of Ukrainians is now in its fifth year and currently set to continue until 4 March 2027. Extending the protection requires a new Council decision, which is expected in the summer.
EU Pact on Migration and Asylum: changes to Aliens Act and Reception Act enter into force
12.6.2026 | News item
The EU's new Pact on Migration and Asylum will enter into force in all EU Member States on 12 June 2026. Amendments to the Aliens Act and the Reception Act will enter into force at the same time.
The government aims to lift municipalities' obligations to promote integration
3.9.2025 | News item
According to the 2026 budget proposal, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's government aims to remove municipalities' legislative obligations in tasks that promote integration. The budget proposal also presents other measures to promote integration.
New guidelines on representation of unaccompanied minors
18.2.2025 | News item
New guidelines on the representation of unaccompanied minors have been published at the kotoutuminen.fi website. The guidelines contain basic information on the duties of persons representing unaccompanied children during their reception and integration in Finland.
Action Plan to Help People Who Have Fled Ukraine is now published also in English
30.8.2024 | News item
The Government’s action plan published in June includes 30 actions that support the employment of Ukrainians. Communication in Ukrainians’ native language is increased and their transition to municipalities is supported. The action plan is now also available in English for example EU-level comparison and other research.
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