Arranged in autumn 2022, the Immigration Dialogues included discussions on immigration from the different perspectives of nearly 700 individuals. The starting point for the series of discussions coordinated by the Ministry of the Interior was to increase dialogue and understanding of immigration between individuals and groups of people. Another goal was to broaden the overall picture of immigration based on the experiences of individuals in different life situations who have moved to Finland and individuals who were born in Finland. The dialogues also sought a better understanding of what promotes the integration and inclusion of immigrants into Finnish society.

This compilation describes the Immigration Dialogues as a whole, the key topics and perspectives, and, first and foremost, the diverse immigration experiences of immigrants and individuals who were born in Finland. Challenges related to the Finnish language, the need to be included in and belong to meaningful communities, finding worthwhile employment and raising the next generation became the central topics of the dialogues. The discussions made visible how immigrants living in different life situations have different questions and needs, which means that flexibility in solutions for integration and inclusion is required.

Through dialogue that generates trust and inclusion, it is possible to create a better understanding of the experiences related to immigration. Understanding such experiences will help us build better legislation, integration services, communities and everyday life in Finland.

The Immigration Dialogues were prepared through cross-administrative cooperation. In addition to the Ministry of the Interior, the implementation involved the Ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the Finnish National Agency for Education and the Finnish Immigration Service.