Organisation
The Ministry of the Interior is responsible for formulating Finland’s migration policy and for drafting legislation on migration and citizenship. The Ministry also represents Finland in migration matters both within the European Union and in the international arena. It also coordinates migration-related work between different administrative sectors. The Ministry of the Interior guides and develops the migration administration, and is responsible for the performance guidance of the Finnish Immigration Service. It guides, together with other authorities, the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment in immigration issues. In addition, the Ministry is responsible for ensuring legality control in its administrative sector. The duties of the Ministry of the Interior Migration Department are
Division of duties in migration issues The Government guides migration policy and administration through objectives included in the Government Programme and Government resolutions. The Minister of Interior sets priorities, main lines of action and performance targets for the migration administration which are included in the operational and financial plan for the Ministry of the Interior’s administrative sector. Migration administration expenditure is included in the Ministry’s draft budget. The Finnish Immigration Service handles and decides matters relating to individual foreigners’ entry into, residence in and removal from the country as well as their refugee status and citizenship. The Finnish Immigration Service is responsible for the practical guidance and planning of the reception of asylum seekers and beneficiaries of temporary protection and for the practical guidance and supervision of the detention unit. It also guides the provision of assistance to victims of trafficking, and keeps the register of aliens, residents’ register and refugee register. The key Finnish Immigration Service projects are agreed in the performance negotiations between the Ministry of the Interior Migration Department and the Finnish Immigration Service. The immigration units of the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment carry out tasks related to immigration, integration and good ethnic relations at regional level. The Finnish Border Guard and the Finnish Police also carry out duties related to immigration within the Ministry’s administrative sector. The Border Guard is responsible for border control and takes part in the surveillance of foreign citizens within Finland. In certain exceptional cases, border check authorities decide whether to issue a visa at the border or to refuse entry into the country. The police supervise compliance with the Aliens Act and act as the authority issuing permits and licences to foreigners. Border check authorities and the police also establish an asylum seeker’s identity and travel route to Finland. The local police accept permit applications in immigration matters as well as citizenship applications and declarations for the acquisition of citizenship. In certain cases, they issue residence permits and re-entry visas, extend the validity of visas and make decisions on refusal of entry concerning foreigners. As regards EU citizens and their family members, the local police also carry out the registration required in the Aliens Act and issue residence cards. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is responsible for visa policy. Finnish missions abroad issue visas and accept residence permit applications and declarations for the acquisition of citizenship. The Ministry of Employment and the Economy is responsible for the integration of immigrants and the related legislation. The Ministry of Education develops education and training for immigrants at different levels of education. Its mandate also covers immigration matters relating to culture, sport, youth work and religion. The National Board of Education is responsible for matters relating to immigrant education and training and for the recognition of qualifications of foreign nationals. The Employment and Economic Development Offices provide the necessary labour policy measures and labour market services to immigrants. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for social and health care services and support – a service package that is of key importance to integration. The individual municipalities have general and coordinative responsibility for developing, planning and monitoring the integration of immigrants within their areas. They also organise measures and services promoting and supporting the integration of immigrants. The Ombudsman for Minorities works to advance the status and legal protection of ethnic minorities and foreigners as well as equality and good ethnic relations in Finland. The Ombudsman is also a national body reporting on human trafficking. Non-governmental organisations, along with public authorities, provide assistance and advice to asylum seekers.  Back  Print page |