Integration

Integration into a new society means settling into a new country and culture, and adopting new practices. It takes time to settle in, and even members of the same family integrate at a different pace.

As of the beginning of 2012, the preparation of integration affairs was transferred from the Ministry of the Interior to the Ministry of Employment and the Economy. Responsibility for integration affairs lies with Minister of Labour Lauri Ihalainen.

Integration

Integration means that immigrants adapt themselves to Finnish society and acquire new skills, competences and practices which help them actively participate in the life of their new home country. Some immigrants find it easy to integrate; others need more time and support services - integration measures - to adapt themselves. Some knowledge of Finnish or Swedish, and information about Finnish society are important requirements for integration.

A number of public authorities in central government and municipalities deal with the integration of immigrants. The objective of integration measures is to help immigrants to know their rights and duties in Finnish society, and feel welcome here.

The Act on the Promotion of Immigrant Integration guides integration.