A residential room in the Helsinki reception centre. Photo: Markku Ulander / Lehtikuva
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Finland will shut down 26 reception centres between June 2025 and February 2026, according to a report by the Uutissuomalainen news group on Saturday.
The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) confirmed the closures, citing a significant decline in the number of people using the facilities as the main reason. The move will affect approximately 7,000 individuals currently residing in these centres.
Reception centres provide housing and support services for asylum seekers and individuals under temporary protection, including many Ukrainians who have arrived in Finland since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
People under temporary protection are eligible to stay in Finland until at least March 2026. Those who have lived in the country for more than one year under temporary protection may apply for municipal residency, allowing them to integrate into local communities and access broader public services.
The planned closures mean that current residents must either secure a place in a remaining reception unit or begin the process of relocating to a municipality. Migri said that all affected individuals will be informed in advance and supported through the transition.
At present, Finland operates 68 reception centres. Once the closures are complete, this number will fall to 42.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
