The City of Mikkeli is responsible for the reception of groups like quota refugees and their initial integration.
The services are made for immigrants in accordance with the Act on the Promotion of Immigrant Integration, which provides support for settling and integrating newcomers in Mikkeli.
Clients in the early stages of their integration process have the same rights and obligations as other municipal residents.
The following groups are served by our services:
- quota refugees
- asylum seekers who have a municipal residence
- persons under a temporary protection scheme who have been granted a municipal residence
- easy access guidance for all foreigners living in Mikkeli
Integration services support integration
- arranging the reception of refugees who have moved to Mikkeli and helping to rent apartments to new residents and families who have a municipal residence
- providing guidance and support in everyday matters (the city’s digital services, waste management, applying for school and daycare places, travelling by bus, etc.)
- strengthening and promoting integration, inclusion and wellbeing. Such help is offered at offices, homes and cooperation meetings in conjunction with the wellbeing regional council services of South Savo and other authorities
- making initial assessments and an integration programmes for refugees
- cooperating with the third sector and other volunteers, such as the Multicultural Association Mimosa, the Finnish Red Cross’s Homework Helpline and different Finnish language groups for Immigrants
Contact details
Street address
Raviradantie 8–10, 50100 Mikkeli (through Tutkijantie)
Appointments and contacts
Appointment booking by email: kotoutuminen@mikkeli.fi
Book an appointment by phone: +358 40 152 9412. We serve customers without an appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the times below.
Appointments on Tuesdays at 9–11 and on Thursdays at 9–11.
Head of International Affairs
Riikka Hälikkä
riikka.halikka@mikkeli.fi
p. 040 619 7766
Relocation services/counselor
Pauli Laasonen
pauli.laasonen@mikkeli.fi
p. 040 167 8298
Easy access guidance for all foreigners living in Mikkeli
Integration coordinator
Riitta Lappi
riitta.lappi@mikkeli.fi, tel. 040 841 5443
Customer work management, network cooperation, service development
Integration counselors
Ulla Karppanen
ulla.karppanen@mikkeli.fi
Anastasia Paasonen
anastasia.paasonen@mikkeli.fi
Ksenia Tuominen
ksenia.tuominen@mikkeli.fi
Tytti Vähäsarja
tytti.vahasarja@mikkeli.fi
Comprehensive customer guidance and planning for families and individuals in various application and permit matters, as well as cooperation with various organisations.
Tips for living and spending time in multiple languages
More information:
Your guide for living in Finland
Work Help Finland mobile application | Maahanmuuttovirasto (The application operates in 26 languages: information about employee rights and responsibilities as a worker in Finland.)