Finland to get €12m EU support for quota refugees

The Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) will grant EUR 12 million in EU financial support to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) for the reception of asylum seekers from the Mediterranean region, said an official press release.

The EU support will cover the costs to be incurred in relocating 175 unaccompanied minors and other most vulnerable asylum seekers to Finland from the Mediterranean member states at the EU’s external borders. The aim is to ensure smooth transfer of asylum seekers to Finland by preparing for the resource needs of the reception system and the asylum procedure.

The EU support will cover reception costs related to accommodation, immediate living costs and services for the asylum seekers. As far as the asylum procedure is concerned, costs related to asylum decision-making and interpretation will be covered in particular.

The application round for AMIF funding is related to a decision taken by the government on 27 February, according to which Finland will receive 175 unaccompanied minors and other most vulnerable asylum seekers to be relocated from the Mediterranean member states at the EU’s external borders. The decision aims to alleviate the overburdened reception systems in these countries.

According to the government decision, the reception system costs arising from these relocations can be covered through the AMIF.