Identification Card Could Bring More Security to Refugees

The majority of asylum seekers living at refugee reception centres receive a subsistence subsidy of about 300 euros each month. Persons without bank accounts have difficulties keeping their money safe.

Jari Kähkönen, the director of the Joutseno refugee reception centre, says that stashing cash can lead to problems. For instance, money has vanished on several times.

”People have said that their money disappeared. Perhaps they dropped their envelope of money, or it was taken or lost. Of course, it is a difficult thing for the person responsible for the money,” says Kähkönen.

An identification card would help refugees keep their money safe by allowing them to open up a bank account. Johanna Kari of the ministry says the card would not be an official identification card. But it would help asylum seekers become more independent.

Ombudsman for Minorities Johanna Suurpää wonders why it is taking so long for the card to be approved.

“Without a doubt, this has taken a long time to prepare. There are people who cannot take care of everyday matters properly. This could have been handled more quickly,” she says.

Helsinki’s refugee reception centre Director Leena Markkanen says that she hopes the card will be taken into use soon. She says persons who are employed especially need the card.

“Sweden for instance has developed its own system. This matter is already taken care of there,” she says.