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This webpage is no longer updated. Go to follow the new content page of the comprehensive reform of the Integration Act at kotoutuminen.fi/en/koto24-en.

Reform of the Act on the Promotion of Immigrant Integration

The Act on the Promotion of Immigrant Integration (hereinafter, the Integration Act) aims to strengthen immigrants’ employment, capacity to work and language skills, and to increase their participation in society. Another objective of the Act is to promote equality, non-discrimination and positive interaction between different population groups. 

The current Integration Act has been amended (comprehensive reform of Integration Act, KOTO24) to meet the requirements of Parliament regarding the promotion of immigrant integration (Report of the Audit Committee). 
Parliament has required:

  • improving speed and efficiency of integration measures starting when the immigrant arrives in Finland
  • transferring the overall responsibility for integration services to municipalities
  • promoting the employment of immigrant women
  • improving the quality of language education and tests
  • considering the needs of companies
  • increasing the role of the third sector and liberal adult education.

In addition, several changes have either taken place in the operating environment already or are currently under preparation (for example, wellbeing services counties, health and social services reform, TE services reform 2024). These reforms will have an impact on the authorities’ responsibility for promotion of integration. Parliamentary requirements and the changed operating environment will be taken into account in the reform of the Integration Act.

The reform of the Integration Act (KOTO24) aims to:

  • strengthen the integration of immigrants who are outside the labour force
  • clarify the responsibilities of different bodies 
  • strengthen multi-sectoral cooperation and cooperation with organisations and employers
  • update the Integration Act to respond to the needs caused by the transfer of official duties.

The new Integration Act (681/2023) will enter into force on 1 January 2025 at the same time as the TE services reform.

Read more about this topic (in Finnish)

Reform of the Integration Act – project page 

The Act on the Promotion of Immigrant Integration (681/2023)

Government report on integration 

Report of the committee: Functioning of integration

Report of the committee: Government report on the need for a reform in integration promotion services


Inquiries

Hanna-Maria Hyttinen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, [email protected]
Nea Brandt, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, [email protected]

News about the reform of the Integration Act

Centre of Expertise publishes new material to support implementation of Integration Act overhaul (KOTO24)
29.2.2024 | News item
The Centre of Expertise in Immigrant Integration supports the implementation of the revised Integration Act (Act on the Promotion of Immigrant Integration) and work to promote integration by producing materials and information on the comprehensive reform of the Act. A new home page KOTO24 has been set up on the integration.fi website. On the site, you can find news, events and materials related to the comprehensive reform of the Integration Act. During 2024, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will provide nationwide support for those involved in integration work in preparing for the reform in cooperation with the KEHA Centre and the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities.
Report: Multilingual civic orientation requires cooperation between municipalities
25.1.2024 | News item
Organising multilingual civic orientation cost-effectively requires cooperation between municipalities as well as cross-regional and national coordination. Orientation organised remotely or as hybrid events could help immigrants living in sparsely populated areas to participate in the instruction. A report commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in May 2023 includes recommendations on how to implement the orientation in a high-quality and uniform manner across Finland.
Comprehensive reform of Integration Act: Municipalities will have a larger role in promoting integration and coordination of services will improve
13.4.2023 | News item
The comprehensive reform of the Integration Act, which will enter into force in 2025, will increase the municipal responsibility for promoting integration and clarify the authorities’ responsibilities and cooperation related to the promotion of integration. It seeks to improve integration and strengthen the inclusion of immigrants in society.