In Finland, the number of reception centers for asylum seekers is being reduced

01.10.2026, 05:55◉ 02 min readEditorial team “SHCHO STALOSIA”

The Finnish Migration Service will approximately halve the number of reception centers across the country amid a decrease in the number of asylum seekers. — Ukrinform.

In Finland, the number of reception centers for asylum seekers is being reduced

Eight reception centres for asylum seekers have already ceased operations in Finland this year. The same number will be closed by the end of February 2027.

According to Elina Nurmi, Head of the Reception Services Department of the Migration Service, the cuts are due to a decrease in the number of clients.

The number of asylum seekers has decreased, and the number of people fleeing the war in Ukraine to Finland is not growing. In addition, many clients of reception centers registered as residents of municipalities and moved to other housing, the material says.

The right to reside in the municipality extends, in particular, to Ukrainians who receive temporary protection, according to the Finnish Migration Service.

Closing center customers will be transferred to vacant seats in other centers.

Context

The situation also changed with the introduction of amendments to the Law on Admission in early September. Reception services for asylum seekers are terminated three months after they have received a residence permit and the opportunity to apply for a municipality of residence. Customers enjoying temporary protection must also register as residents of the municipality within three months of obtaining their right of residence in the municipality.

What's next

It is noted that the number of units will be reduced by about half. As of early June, there were 30 adult units and 13 juvenile units operating in the country, as well as two detention units.