#thenewscompany : Finland has registered a record number of
asylum seekers following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, beating a previous
high set during the 2015 migrant crisis, Finnish authorities said Monday.
“By August 4, those fleeing Ukraine due to the Russian military attack had
submitted 35,074 applications for temporary protection,” the Finnish
Immigration Service said in a statement.
More than 37,000 people are currently registered in the reception system,
“which is more than ever before”.
The previous record in the Nordic country was 32,000, during the 2015 migrant
crisis in Europe.
“One third of those fleeing Ukraine are children,” the Immigration Service
said.
It has so far processed 33,480 applications for protection, meaning around 95
percent of applicants have already received a decision.
A total of 33,231 applicants have been granted protection, meaning less than
one percent have not been given asylum.
“Applicants who have received a negative decision are nationals of countries
other than Ukraine.”
An applicant has the right to work immediately after registering their
temporary protection application in Finland.
The latest figures from UNHCR, the UN’s refugee agency, show that over 6.3
million refugees from Ukraine have been recorded across Europe.
Finland borders Russia, and has sought NATO membership after political and
popular support for the alliance soared following Moscow’s invasion of
Ukraine.
