The number of returns of persons not granted asylum is expected to increase in the near future. At present, reception services cater for around 10, individuals who have received a negative decision on asylum, and some 7, of them have appealed against the decision. Some of the individuals who have received a decision on return will not agree, or want, to comply voluntarily with the decision.
Illegal residence in the country is therefore expected to increase. Most of the people returned by the police have received a decision on return due to criminal activity.
Of the approximately 2, people returned by the police last year, more than had received a negative decision on their application for asylum.
The share of those having received a negative decision will increase in the returns to be executed by the police. Foreign nationals residing in the country illegally, or awaiting removal from the country, are in a vulnerable position.
In the first instance, individuals with no prerequisites for asylum are always offered a voluntary return. This is the most humane way and the best solution for the returnee. Mr Kolehmainen emphasised that all obstacles to return are actively taken into account by the police. The process of return can be suspended on justifiable grounds.
