Finnish gov't to set up special reception centers for asylum seekers with security risks

Finnish government is planning to establish special reception centers to relocate asylum seekers believed to be disruptive or problematic, Finnish national broadcaster Yle reported on Thursday.

The proposal was raised by a ministerial working group, as a part of the government's action plan to tackle security threats at reception centers.

The working group said that disturbances are relatively few at reception centers in Finland, but special attention should be paid to the group of people with disruptive risks to ensure security.

Earlier this week, the Finnish Association for Mental Health disclosed that cases of suicide attempts among refugees are increasing in the Helsinki metropolitan area.

Erkki Matilainen, director of the working group, told Yle that the risks affect both those who are awaiting for asylum decisions and those who have received negative decisions.

Mental health problems are also potential risks to security situation at the reception centers.

According to Yle's report, the working group suggested that up to three special centers should be set up, equipped with police officers, security guards, social and health care workers and other professionals.

The new facilities would be operated in the same way as the regular reception centers without restrictions on movement. Meanwhile, officials would be authorized to formulate housing and check-in requirements on the residents, said the group.

The working group is considering where and how to set up the special centers. The final decision would be made at the end of this year, and the new centers are expected to open at the beginning of 2017, according to Yle. Endit