The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has embarked on a reform of integration services in line with Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government programme. This reform will shift more responsibility onto immigrants themselves and introduce stricter obligations in the integration process. The emphasis will now focus on the obligations and responsibilities of arrivals rather than just their rights.
Simultaneously, the government plans to reduce spending on integration services by 58 million euros, emphasizing language learning, employment, and adherence to Finnish societal rules. The reform has sparked debates among lawmakers, with differing opinions on the effectiveness of integration services.
While some argue that immigrants are already successfully integrating into society without the need for such services, others stress the positive impact integration services have on employment. There is also a call for better recognition of the skills of asylum seekers entering the country.
The ongoing discussions highlight the importance of effective integration services in supporting immigrants in Finland and ensuring their successful integration into society.