Tasks of the authorities

Local-level integration work is carried out on a cross-administrative basis

Integration promotion involves cooperation among various authorities and other actors. The Integration Act lays down an obligation to take part in multi-sectoral cooperation. The Act also contains provisions on the duties of the various authorities in promoting integration.

Cooperation is pursued by the following in the various sectors:

authorities,
organisations and associations (CSOs),
communities,
foundations,
education and training providers,
educational institutions,
service providers, and
other bodies.

At the local level, integration promotion is the responsibility of the municipalities, employment authorities and wellbeing services counties. Other authorities may also contribute to promoting integration. Municipalities, employment areas and wellbeing services counties may also cooperate across regions in integration promotion, for example by organising initial-stage integration services jointly by more than one municipality or employment area.

Under the Integration Act, municipalities and other local authorities shall locally or regionally support internationalism, equality and non-discrimination and promote positive interactions between the various population groups. This aim under the Act may be pursued by, for example, developing diverse urban and service structures, providing suitable premises and preventing the segregation of immigrants into specific residential areas. In addition, the needs of the immigrant population and the promotion of integration shall be considered in the general planning, action and monitoring carried out by municipalities and other local-level authorities.

Good relations between population groups and intercultural dialogue make environments safe and enjoyable for all residents. Immigrant inclusion and opportunities for immigrants to retain their own language and culture are required if two-way integration is to be achieved. This calls for cooperation not only among the authorities but also with other entities.

Municipalities, employment authorities and wellbeing services counties may moreover prepare local or regional cooperation agreements concerning the organisation of measures and services in their area.

Act on the Promotion of Immigrant Integration Link to an external website, Opens in a new tab

Monitoring, supervision and development take place at regional level

The regional level attends to the monitoring, supervision and development of integration. The major actors here are the centres for economic development, transport and the environment, the regional state administrative agencies and the regional councils. Regional organisations and projects also take part in regional efforts to promote immigrant integration.

Government Integration Programme sets out goals for development at the national level

The Integration Act lays down provisions on developing integration promotion at the national level. Under the Act, the Government Integration Programme shall be prepared for periods of four years at a time. Prepared by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the programme contains the objectives for the development of national integration promotion.

The ministries central to integration promotion determine the integration promotion objectives and measures in their respective administrative branches for inclusion in the Government Integration Programme and these shall be taken into account in the planning of activities and finances in each administrative branch.

The Government Integration Programme is financed within the limits of the Budget.

The first such programme was prepared following a Government Resolution in 2012.