Asylum seekers coming from Russia are seen at the Nuijamaa border station between Russia and Finland in Lappeenranta, Finland, early morning on November 16, 2023. The number of asylum applications in Finland nearly halved last year. LEHTIKUVA
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The number of asylum applications in Finland nearly halved in 2024, according to figures released by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). At the same time, applications for study visas reached a record high, reflecting shifting immigration trends amid economic uncertainty and global conflicts.
Migri reported receiving 2,948 asylum applications in 2024, marking a 45% decrease from the 5,372 applications submitted in 2023.
Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Nigeria remained the top countries of origin for asylum seekers. The decline was attributed in part to the reduction in instrumentalised migration via Russia, which had led to an influx of 1,300 asylum seekers in 2023 and 2024.
“The number of asylum applications has remained moderate despite conflicts and crises and has nearly halved compared with the year before,” said Ilkka Haahtela, Director General of Migri.
Finland also received 12,617 applications for temporary protection in 2024, mostly from Ukrainian refugees. However, arrivals from Ukraine have continued to decline compared to previous years.
Labour migration to Finland declined by 12% in 2024, with 15,024 applications submitted for first-time work-based residence permits. The economic downturn and reduced employment opportunities contributed to the drop. Applications from Russian citizens also collapsed following border closures.
Despite this, Finland remained a destination for migrant workers. The largest groups applying for work-based residence permits came from Thailand, the Philippines, India, China and Vietnam. The demand for berry pickers led to an increase in Thai applicants, with around 1,300 arriving under a short-term work permit.
Meanwhile, the number of study-based residence permit applications hit an all-time high. Migri received 14,163 applications from international students in 2024, a significant increase from previous years. The rise was linked to legislative changes in 2022, which made Finland more attractive for students and researchers. Applications were particularly high from South Asian countries, including Bangladesh and Nepal.
“The primary factor affecting the total number of international students in Finland is the number of new students that educational institutions can admit each year,” said Johannes Hirvelä, Director of Development at Migri.
Residence permit applications from family members also surged, reaching 23,701 applications in 2024—a 10% increase from the previous year. Most applications came from relatives of workers and students in Finland, particularly from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
In response to growing concerns over immigration policy enforcement, Finland increased its monitoring of residence permit holders. More than 500 residence permits were withdrawn in 2024 as part of Migri’s automated post-decision monitoring system, which checks whether permit holders still meet residency requirements.
Voluntary returns also increased sharply, with 313 people choosing to leave Finland in 2024—73% more than the previous year. Most returned to Russia, Iraq and Georgia. Meanwhile, deportations surged by 64%, with 1,965 removal decisions issued. The most common nationalities affected were Russian, Iraqi and Turkish citizens.
“Immigration processes in Finland must be seamless and maintain national security. While we promote ethical and sustainable work-based migration to Finland, we will also ensure that people who do not meet the requirements for staying in Finland will leave the country,” said Haahtela.
The Finnish Immigration Service estimates that between 3,000 and 4,000 asylum applications will be submitted in 2025. The number of study visa applications is also expected to rise, while work-based immigration remains uncertain due to economic fluctuations.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
