Finland has unveiled its refugee resettlement plan for 2026, confirming an annual quota of 500 places, similar to previous years. The allocation reflects the government’s focus on assisting the most vulnerable populations affected by global crises.
Under the plan, 150 places are reserved for Afghan refugees currently in Iran, 120 for Congolese refugees in Rwanda, 100 for Syrian refugees in Turkey, and 50 for Venezuelan refugees living in Peru. Additionally, 30 spots have been set aside for refugees of various nationalities who were evacuated from Libya to Rwanda. Another 50 places remain flexible to respond to emerging emergencies throughout the year.
The Finnish Ministry of the Interior emphasized that the selection process prioritizes the most vulnerable, including children, women, individuals with disabilities, and those facing severe persecution based on ethnic or cultural identity. Selection interviews are conducted on-site in host countries, ensuring that those most in need are given priority.
Alongside the resettlement program, Finland continues to process asylum claims from individuals who arrive independently, though numbers remain relatively low compared to the 2015 refugee crisis. The Finnish Immigration Service projects that between 1,500 and 2,500 first asylum applications will be filed in 2026.
The annual allocation of resettlement places is coordinated by the Ministry of the Interior in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Finnish Immigration Service, the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service, and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
Through these efforts, Finland aims to uphold its commitment to international protection while ensuring that assistance reaches those in the most critical need.
Source: InfoMigrants
