Comprehensive reform of the Integration Act (KOTO24) strengthens employment of immigrants and clarifies responsibilities of operators

The objectives of the comprehensive reform of the Integration Act (KOTO24) include:

  • strengthen the integration of immigrants who are outside the labour force
  • clarify the responsibilities of different bodies 
  • increase multi-sectoral cooperation and cooperation with organisations and employers
  • update the Integration Act to respond to the needs caused by the transfer of official duties.

The Integration Act has been amended to meet the requirements of Parliament regarding the promotion of immigrant integration (Report of the Audit Committee). In addition, the new Integration Act takes into account changes in the operating environment, such as the new wellbeing services counties and the reform of TE services.

The new Integration Act (681/2023) entered into force on 1 January 2025 at the same time as the TE services reform. The new Act repealed an Act of the same name that was in force.

Comprehensive reform of the Integration Act is linked to the TE services reform

In connection with the reform of TE services, the responsibility for promoting the integration of jobseekers are transferred to municipalities. The responsibility for providing integration services organised as employment services, such as integration training, is also transferred to municipalities.

As a result of the TE24 and KOTO24 reforms, municipalities have the overall responsibility for the promotion of immigrant integration. Municipalities are responsible for promoting the integration of immigrants who are jobseekers as well as those who are not part of the labour force. For immigrants who are jobseekers, the employment authority organises services in the employment area. This also applies to integration customers who are jobseekers. The municipality can decide which administrative branch is responsible for the promotion of integration for immigrants who are not part of the labour force and whether the municipality implements the services in cooperation with other municipalities.

More information on the comprehensive reform of the Integration Act

The communication channels of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the Centre of Expertise in Immigrant Integration offer information on the comprehensive reform of the Integration Act. Integration experts can also find information at the kotoutuminen.fi web pages and the Partnership platform. The use of Partnership platform requires registration.