Reception of asylum seekers

The Finnish Red Cross districts currently maintain six reception centres.

Reception centres are intended for asylum seekers whose applications are still being processed or who are waiting to move to a municipality or to be returned to their home country. The centres provide asylum seekers with services intended to ensure their well-being and income. 

The reception centres take care of e.g. asylum seeker accommodation and necessary and urgent social and health services. The care personnel at the reception centre assesses each asylum seeker’s need for social and health services. Underaged asylum seekers have the right to receive the same health services as those residing in Finland.

Our volunteers visit both reception centres maintained by the Red Cross districts and centres run by other operators. Activities such as clubs and leisure activities are organised at reception centres. Volunteers play an important role in the club activities and the psychosocial and social support of asylum seekers.

From 7 March 2022 onwards, people seeking temporary protection in Finland will also be eligible for reception services.

People seeking temporary protection in Finland can stay at a reception centre or in private accommodation if they wish. The Red Cross does not coordinate or maintain private accommodation. However, anyone who has made their own accommodation arrangements will receive reception services from the reception unit where they are registered.