Government proposes changes to the comprehensive reform of the Integration Act

The comprehensive reform of the Act on the Promotion of Immigrant Integration (Integration Act) will enter into force at the beginning of 2025 when the main responsibility for integration will be transferred from the state to municipalities. On 4 April 2024, the Government submitted a proposal to Parliament on changes to the reform based on the Government Programme. For example, the imputed reimbursement period for municipalities and wellbeing services counties would be shortened to strengthen general government finances.

“Immigrants must have a greater responsibility for their integration. The Government aims to introduce obligations in the integration system and to strengthen general government finances,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen. 

The central government pays municipalities and wellbeing services counties a so-called imputed reimbursement for organising services promoting the integration of persons with refugee background. The Government proposes that the imputed reimbursement period be shortened. Reimbursements are paid for costs for assessing the need for services, drawing up integration plans and interpreting, for example. The aim is to reduce the number of municipal tasks related to the promotion of integration and to increase immigrants’ self-initiative.

The current four-year imputed reimbursement period for quota refugees would be shortened to three years, while the reimbursement period for other people with refugee background would be cut to two years. This group also includes beneficiaries of temporary protection who have a municipality of residence.

The age limit for receiving after-care in adulthood of those who have arrived in Finland as unaccompanied minors would be lowered to 23 from the current 25.  In that way, the age limit would correspond with the age limit for after-care in child welfare, the act on which entered into force on 1 January 2024.

Fee to be charged for unused interpretation services

If an immigrant fails to notify the integration services of the municipality or the employment authority that he or she is unable to attend a scheduled meeting with them, the immigrant could be charged a fee for unused interpretation in future. The fee would be equal to the fee for unused appointments in healthcare and social welfare services.

An increase of EUR 5 million is proposed for improving the position of immigrant mothers. The Government’s objective is to improve the social inclusion of immigrant mothers and support the integration of children. 

The amendments would mainly enter into force on 1 January 2025, when the responsibility for integration services will be transferred to the municipalities entirely. However, the lower age limit for receiving after-care in adulthood would enter into force already on 1 July 2024.

Inquiries: 
Timo Kerttula, Special Adviser to the Minister of the Interior, [email protected] (interview requests for the Minister)
Nea Brandt, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 239