Reception of asylum seekers

The Finnish Red Cross maintains preparedness for the reception of asylum seekers and operates reception centres.

An asylum seeker is a person who has fled their home country due to violence or persecution and is seeking international protection in another state, such as Finland. The decision on whether the person is granted the right to stay in Finland is made by the authorities.

During the waiting period, the asylum seeker is a client at a reception centre. Some asylum seekers live in reception centres, while others arrange their own accommodation. Reception centres are located in different parts of Finland, and some of them are operated by the Finnish Red Cross.

Volunteers supporting asylum seekers

Waiting for an asylum decision can take a long time. Red Cross volunteers therefore play an important role in the daily lives of reception centre residents and those in private accommodation, as well as in providing psychosocial support in prolonged, uncertain life situations. Volunteers can act as Red Cross friends, teach or learn languages and culture, organise club activities, or simply go for a walk as a companion. For more information, see the forms of activity that support integration.

As a Red Cross volunteer, you will receive training, induction, and support for your tasks. The training courses can be found on OMA Punainen Risti.

Red Cross volunteers can organise activities for and with asylum seekers regardless of whether they are clients of a reception centre operated by the Finnish Red Cross or by another party.

If you would like to know if there is a reception centre in your area or how else you can support an asylum seeker, please contact your regional district office. Contact details can be found on the districts' websites here (in Finnish).

Attachments:

• Punaisen Ristin tuki kansainvälistä suojelua hakeville (2024) (in Finnish)
• Röda Korsets stöd för personer som söker internationellt skydd (2024) (in Swedish)