Migration levels to Finland in 2023 continue to be high, and the impact of the Russian war in Ukraine is a significant factor, according to recent data from the Finnish Immigration Service.
The war has resulted in the continued closure of Finland’s eastern border, driven by concerns about the potential exploitation of migration by Russians. This, combined with a decrease in Ukrainian and Russian workers, has led to labor shortages in various sectors within the country.
Despite the economic downturn affecting labor migration, Finland is still experiencing record-high levels of migration, as stated by Ilkka Haahtela, Director General of the Finnish Immigration Service.
One notable change in 2023 is the drop in applications for temporary protection, specifically for Ukrainian nationals. Finland received less than half the number of applications compared to 2022, with a significant decrease in temporary protection permits granted to those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.
The Finnish Immigration Services anticipate a further increase in Ukrainian applicants for temporary protection in 2024, depending on the duration and scope of the war and the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and receiving countries.
It is worth noting that the validity of temporary protection for those fleeing Ukraine has been automatically extended until March 4, 2025.
In 2023, Finland received a total of 5,372 asylum applications, a slight decrease from the previous year. Interestingly, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine did not have a significant impact on asylum application figures in Finland, unlike in 2022.
Overall, the situation in Ukraine and Russia continues to shape migration trends in Finland, with the country grappling with labor shortages and changing patterns of migration.
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