Receiving of Refugees in Finland

Each year, Finland decides how many quota refugees will be admitted to the country. UNHCR proposes people in need of resettlement, and those who are selected can travel to Finland. The state is responsible for the initial reception, after which the refugees move to a municipality that has an agreement to receive quota refugees. The municipality is then responsible for housing, support and integration.

The Jakobstad region received its first quota refugees as early as 1989.

The Ostrobothnia Migration Centre is responsible for reception services for asylum seekers and people receiving temporary protection in the region. Some of those who receive a residence permit choose to settle in the Jakobstad region.

More information about the different refugee statuses: 
https://intermin.fi/en/areas-of-expertise/migration/refugees-and-asylum-seekers

Reception of Refugees in the Jakobstad Region

Under the Integration Act, municipalities are required to provide support and services that help newcomers settle and integrate. This support is provided through both regular municipal services and employment services.

Jakobstad, Kronoby, Larsmo, Nykarleby and Pedersöre signed a cooperation agreement in 2010 to strengthen cooperation on integration. Although local needs vary between the municipalities, they all benefit from common goals, plans and working methods.

The Jakobstad Region Integration Programme serves as a common plan and tool for integration work. It brings together the region’s integration-promoting services and describes how the municipalities work together to promote integration, participation and employment.

In the region, people can choose either Swedish or Finnish as their integration language.