Pakolaisen

Pakolainen is Finnish for “refugee.” The form pakolaisen is the genitive singular and is used when describing something belonging to or related to a refugee, for example pakolaisen oikeudet (the refugee’s rights) or pakolaisen asema (the refugee’s status).

Originating from the verb paeta, meaning “to flee,” with the derivational suffix -lainen, the noun is part of Finnish noun formation that creates agent-like terms for a person associated with a concept or activity. The term is widely used in everyday language as well as in official and legal contexts in Finland.

Usage and legal context: In everyday Finnish, pakolainen can refer to someone who has fled their country and seeks protection. In international law, a refugee is someone who, owing to a well-founded fear of persecution, is outside their country of nationality and is unable or unwilling to avail themselves of protection there (1951 Refugee Convention). Finnish law distinguishes between asylum seekers (turvapaikan hakija) and those whose refugee status has been recognized (pakolainen). The term is common in media and official language to describe persons receiving protection. The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) administers asylum procedures and decisions.

Rights and integration: Recognized refugees acquire rights to residence, work, social welfare, education, and healthcare under Finnish and EU law. They may receive support for integration, including language courses and housing, dependent on status and decisions, with programs designed to facilitate adaptation and participation in society.

See also: Turvapaikka; Pakolaisuus; Pakolaisen asema.