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4. The various target groups for integration

Immigrants are mainly divided in this integration programme into two groups: interna-
tional students and occupational immigrants as well as those who have moved to Finland
for humanitarian reasons. In addition, immigrants move to Rovaniemi via marriage or for
family reunification purposes. The main responsibility for integration measures in accor-
dance with the Act on the Integration of Immigrants and Reception of Asylum Seekers is
with the municipalities and Employment and Economic Development Office. The services
and operational principles of Lapland‟s Employment and Economic Development Office are
described in a separate appendix (Appendix 5).

Civic organizations occupy a significant position as complements to the services provided
by the State and municipal authorities. A particularly important task rests in the promotion
of immigrant activity and involvement in civil society by civic organizations and various
leisure and free-time operators. MoniNet, maintained by the Rovalan Setlementti associa-
tion, has functioned in Rovaniemi since 2001. It serves not only the immigrants residing in
Rovaniemi but also elsewhere in the (former) province of Lapland. MoniNet functions in
the area as a multicultural meeting point whose task is to promote the integration of im-
migrants and their involvement in various types of activities. The target group in particular
is those immigrants who are not included within the official integration period.

Integration measures affect all immigrants regardless of the rationale for immigration, but
a variety of services and measures are oriented towards various target groups in accor-
dance with their needs. Even if some matters are primarily directed towards a certain
group of immigrants, the functions concerned may also affect those who belong to other
groups.

4.1 International students and occupational immigration

Those arriving in the locality on the basis of employment contracts of varying length or as
students represent diversified immigration.

On an annual basis, the University of Lapland is host to a total of 370 international stu-
dents, and about 25 students participate in exchanges lasting 2–4 weeks. In spring 2013,
131 students on international degree programmes and 240 exchange students studied at
the university. An estimated total of 3–6 students remain in Rovaniemi each year on a
permanent basis.

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