The government proposal comes in the wake of ongoing disturbances at asylum seeker reception centres. The government noted that police cannot be expected to be continuously present at the country’s roughly 200 facilities.
The government is also calling for similar security arrangements for other facilities used to accommodate persons seeking international asylum or individuals awaiting deportation.
According to the proposal deploying guards at reception centres would require the same kind of police permit that is needed at shopping centres or public transportation hubs.
The government said that its proposal comes in response to a number of disturbances at reception centres. It noted that the centres don’t have the resources or the mandate to maintain order in all circumstances. On the other hand police have limited resources and cannot man reception centres.
Finland currently has 140 asylum seeker reception centres for adults and families. Additionally authorities have set up another 60 units to house unaccompanied minors and there is one asylum seeker registration centre in Tornio.
The government sent out its draft proposal for commenting on Friday.
