Finland

Finland is covered by UNHCR’s Representation for the Nordic and Baltic Countries, based in Stockholm, which has been active in the region since 1985. UNHCR supports the Finnish authorities in implementing international standards on asylum and statelessness, ensuring that all persons of concern have access to their rights, while also raising public awareness and mobilizing support for global refugee protection.

In 2024, Finland’s asylum and migration environment was shaped by heightened national security concerns, the war in Ukraine, and broader shifts in Nordic asylum policy. The eastern border with Russia remained closed throughout the year, and new legislation adopted in May enabled pushbacks of third-country nationals, including asylum-seekers. Despite this restrictive environment, UNHCR found no evidence of refoulement and maintained strong collaboration with the Finnish Border Guard, Ombudsman institutions, and civil society to uphold protection principles.

UNHCR continued to advocate for refugee inclusion in integration policies and the preservation of legal safeguards amid tightening asylum procedures. Finland remained a key resettlement partner, maintaining a quota of 500 places in 2024. UNHCR also supported Finland’s national pilot on community sponsorship, aimed at enhancing refugee integration through local volunteer engagement.

Finland continued to demonstrate international solidarity through sustained political and financial support, contributing USD 38.7 million to UNHCR’s operations in 2024.