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Finland undecided on EU 'burden sharing' initiative

By Liz Fekete

1 April 1995

The Chief of the Office for Aliens' Affairs of the Ministry of the Interior has said that the government is undecided on the Finnish response to the idea, being discussed throughout the European Union, that the burden of refugees should be spread more equally among all member states.

Such a model would mean Finland receiving more refugees than it has up till now. The number of refugees gaining asylum in Finland has dropped radically. Only 836 people asked for asylum in Finland last year. In 1993 the number was 2023 and in 1992, 3625. The largest group of asylum-seekers in 1994 were Somalis (177), Russians (91), Iranians (66), former Yugoslavs (65) and Iraqis (55).

The Office for Aliens' Affairs of the Ministry of the Interior decided on 1096 asylum applications in 1994. In fifteen cases asylum was granted and in 294 cases a residence permit. A negative decision was given in 489 cases and almost 300 applications expired or the person left Finland. Of the negative decisions, 239 were made under normal procedures and 250 as a result of accelerated procedures.

Helsingen Sanomat 6.1, 27.2.95

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