Finland gets ready for refugee influx as 108 Ukrainians seek asylum

The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) is getting preparations to receive increasing number of refugees from Ukraine following Russia´s attack.

A total of 108 asylum applications were submitted by Ukrainians so far this year and this year, said Migri on Tuesday, adding that 35 of the applications for asylum were submitted by Ukrainian citizens on Monday.

Meanwhile, the City of Helsinki decided to step up its readiness in response to the war in Ukraine, including measures to prepare for the reception of Ukrainians fleeing the war, said the City in a press release.

Helsinki Mayor Juhana Vartiainen on Monday set up a separate Ukraine crisis group, in accordance with the city’s crisis management model. The group will direct and coordinate responses to the situation.

“Helsinki is responding to this crisis proactively and is beginning preparations for the reception of Ukrainians who are fleeing the war. In addition to this, we aim to support Ukraine with direct humanitarian aid, in line with our country’s foreign policy guidelines”, Vartiainen said.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto on Saturday said that Finland would be prepared to help the incoming refugees from Ukraine as thousands of Ukrainians are leaving the country following the worsening situation due Russia´s attack on Ukraine.