Turvapaikanhakija

Turvapaikanhakija is a Finnish term referring to a person who has applied for asylum in Finland. This status is granted to individuals who are seeking international protection due to a well-founded fear of persecution in their country of origin. The fear of persecution can be based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, as outlined in international conventions.

The process for a turvapaikanhakija begins when they submit an application for asylum to the Finnish authorities, typically the Finnish Immigration Service (Maahanmuuttovirasto, Migri). During the asylum process, the applicant is interviewed to determine the credibility of their claims. They are generally allowed to stay in Finland while their application is being processed. This period can vary in length.

If the asylum application is successful, the individual is granted a form of international protection, either as a refugee or through subsidiary protection. If the application is rejected, the individual may have the right to appeal the decision. Those whose applications are rejected and who do not have a legal basis to remain in Finland are expected to return to their country of origin. The term turvapaikanhakija is specific to the Finnish legal and administrative context.