The Finnish Immigration Service says that 1,890 people sought refuge in Finland between January and August this year. This matches the corresponding figure for last year almost exactly, as 1,895 people applied then.

The largest national groups to request  Finland’s protection were Iraqis, Russians, Somalis, Afghans, Syrians and Serbians. The number of applicants from the latter two groups has grown since last year, while notably fewer claims came from Russians and Somalis.  

During January-August, the Immigration Service made decisions in regard to applications from 2,300 persons seeking refuge in Finland. Asylum or other permission to stay was granted in 40 percent of cases, meaning to 958 applicants.