Finnish Immigration Service service point in Malmi, Helsinki. LEHTIKUVA
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The Finnish Immigration Service will close 18 reception centres in 2025 following a sharp decline in the number of asylum seekers and an increase in clients relocating to municipalities. The closures are expected to reduce annual costs by approximately €21 million.
The number of asylum applications in 2024 was 45% lower than in the previous year.
Simultaneously, arrivals from Ukraine have continued to decrease, and more clients within the reception system have secured residence in municipalities.
According to the agency, the closures are part of an ongoing assessment of accommodation needs and cost-efficiency.
Elina Nurmi, Director of the Reception Services Department, said the decision was guided by both financial considerations and the best interests of those affected.
“We will terminate contracts with 18 reception centres as of 1 April and 1 July, and a further eight contracts will not be renewed when they expire in February 2026,” she said. “The timing has been planned to minimise disruption, particularly for children and young people. The first closures will not take place before the end of the school term.”
Of the clients in centres scheduled for closure this year, more than 2,200 are eligible to apply for residence in a municipality. Around 47% could do so immediately.
Clients with a municipality of residence may settle in the location of their choice. Reception centre staff will assist them with the transition. Those who do not or cannot relocate to municipalities will be transferred to other reception centres or can opt for private accommodation.
“Each case will be assessed individually in cooperation with the reception centres,” said Nurmi.
The closures will occur in phases. Centres in Kemi, Pieksämäki, Varkaus, Järvenpää, Porvoo, Satakunta, Vaasa and Kajaani (minors’ unit) will close in June 2025. Further centres in Vantaa, West Uusimaa, Lieksa, Valkeakoski, Forssa, Jämsä, Riihimäki, Kajaani, Åland and Oravainen will follow by December.
Eight additional centres — including those in Joensuu, Kuopio, Mikkeli, Rovaniemi, Tampere, Hämeenlinna, Lahti and Jyväskylä — will be shut down when their contracts expire in February 2026.
The Finnish Immigration Service said it will continue to monitor demand and capacity closely, adjusting accommodation arrangements to ensure efficiency and adequate support for clients throughout the transition.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
