According to the latest estimates of the immigration authorities, Finland expects 40,000–80,000 refugees from Ukraine.
According to the director of immigration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, about 3.6 million Ukrainians have fled the country, and the number is likely to grow rapidly. Sanna Sutter.
"It has become clear that it is not possible to estimate exactly what the real figure will be this year," Sutter said at a press conference that Finland’s readiness for the matter was discussed on Wednesday.
Sutter added that Finland was "clearly bears its share" However, the exact role of each EU Member State in accommodating Ukrainian refugees was still unclear.
2000 currently in reception centers
Only 2,000 Ukrainians who arrived after the start of the war have been housed in reception centers across the country.
"Most Ukrainians have decided to stay in private accommodation," Deputy Director at the Finnish Immigration Service Elina Immonen said at a news conference.
However, according to the Finnish Immigration Service, Finland is already preparing to increase the 6,250 places currently available in reception centers.
Ukrainians have the right to work
According to the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, all those who have received temporary protection have the right to work.
Head of the Immigration Department Sonja Hämäläinen said the ministry is preparing to strengthen its employment services. Finland is currently suffering from a labor shortage that could benefit incoming workers, Hämäläinen added.
The Ministry of Labor also stated that it was aware of ongoing attempts to exploit incoming Ukrainians and added that it would inform all immigrants about the country’s regulations on working conditions.
Basic education guaranteed for future children
According to the head of the Ministry of Education and Culture, all Ukrainian children entering the country have the right to participate in basic education. Eeva-Riitta Pirhonen. Basic education includes teaching Finnish and Swedish as a second language.
"The best option would, of course, be preparatory training in basic Finnish and Swedish," Pirhonen said.
Children of working or studying parents can also apply for early childhood education, while Ukrainians can apply for higher education on the same terms as Finnish citizens.
According to the general manager, schools can also play an important role as a support system and facilitator of child safety.
However, Finland has limited capacity to deal with the trauma caused by the war on incoming Ukrainian refugees. Annu LehtinenDirector of Finnish Refugee Aid.
Lehtinen said that although Finland is ready to meet the immediate health care and crisis needs of those arriving, there is a shortage of experts who can deal with people suffering from the trauma caused by the war. Lehtinen emphasized that those traumatized by the war need immediate treatment, as the psychological effects of the war may last longer.