The NAS and Reception Centres Work Together

The NAS and the Reception Services Department of the Finnish Migration Service have updated instructions to all reception centres. The updated website contains information on identifying victims of human trafficking and the NAS, as well as on the co-operation between reception centres and the NAS when assisting a victim.

In spring 2024, the NAS and the Reception Services Department offered training on human trafficking for reception centres. As the Finnish Immigration Service has tendered for reception centres this year, the need for correct information is significant with the new operators.  The next training is scheduled in autumn 2024.

Reception centres have an important role in identifying victims

Identifying a victim may be difficult. Often the victims´ circumstances are complicated and even dangerous, making communication difficult. A victim may hide their situation due to shame, ignorance or threats. Therefore the reception centres’ personnel need to understand the extent of human trafficking and recognise the signs. A person may fall a victim in Finland or abroad, or on their way to Finland, before entering a reception centre, or during a stay at the centre.

Clients are helped in co-operation

A NAS employee evaluates the need for assistance at a joint meeting. The evaluation covers the overall situation and possible assistance needs caused by human trafficking: safety threat, criminal issues, need for crime support staff, and the client’s own view on the need of assistance. Any required assistance is arranged in co-operation with the reception centre and by agreeing on methods and responsibilities. The aim is to have combined services for the client. In case assistance needs result from human trafficking, the NAS may provide additional assistance to complete services provided by reception centres.

It is important to help the victim break free from the circumstances that resulted in human trafficking and safely recover from their experiences and to prevent them from becoming a victim again.