Non-discrimination and cooperation are a prerequisite for successful integration of immigrants

Immigration to Finland has increased and become more diverse in recent years. It is important that the needs of the immigrant population are considered in the organisation of public services and that measures and services that help immigrants integrate into Finnish society and find employment are offered to them.

Integration is a continuous two-way process in which society is changing as the population is becoming more diverse and immigrants acquire knowledge and skills that they need in society and working life. This requires commitment on the part of the immigrants and the country receiving them.

In addition to the official measures, integration can be promoted in everyday situations and local communities, such as daycare centres, schools, leisure activities and workplaces.

Good relations between population groups help immigrant integration and strengthen social cohesion. Integration can only succeed if everybody is committed to non-discrimination and immigrants are accepted as members of society.

Integration involves broad-based cooperation

The Act on the Promotion of Immigrant Integration (681/2023), which entered into force in 2025, is based on multi-sectoral cooperation between the authorities and other bodies promoting integration. The Act repealed the Integration Act that entered into force in 2011. 

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is responsible for the overall guidance and development of integration policy and public employment services.

Further information:
Sonja Hämäläinen, sonja.hamalainen(at)gov.fi

For more information about integration, go to the integration.fi website

The Kotoutuminen.fi websiteLink to an external website of the KEHA centre provides up-to-date information on integration and the reception of refugees.