A record number of underage refugees are coming to Finland this year. Over 300 youths have so far applied for asylum without their parents compared to around one-hundred last year. Applicants may soon have to face biological tests to determine their correct age. The majority of new asylum seekers are primarily from troubled zones within Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan. According to the Finnish Immigration Service, a tougher policy on asylum seekers in Sweden could be a factor. Among the over 300 asylum seekers arriving on Finnish shores this year, many claim to be teenage boys from Somalia or Iran.
Susanne Tengman of the Finnish Immigration Service says parents feel their sons have better chances in the outside world than their daughters. Most of the youths are granted a residence permit.
Some are considered as so-called anchor children, who are later joined by their parents. Few of the young applicants have any political or religious involvement.
The Finnish Immigration Service wants to carry out biological tests to ensure applicants are not over the age of 18, reports the paper Savon Sanomat. Some applicants have lied about their age to order to receive a residence permit.
Finding initial accommodation for new arrivals is also problematic. Some reception centres have closed down and local authorities have placed arrivals in foster care. The provision of psychological care is also a vital element to help young refugee seekers cope with stress problems.