Starting in 2025, Finnish municipalities took on a vital new role: ensuring that all newcomers receive a comprehensive introduction to Finnish society in their own language. While this “society orientation” is incredibly valuable, putting it into practice has revealed some real-world hurdles. In the Tampere region, bringing together enough participants who share the same language, ready to learn at the same pace, has been a balancing act. Newcomers arrive with vastly different backgrounds—some are fast-tracking into employment, while others may be learning to read and write for the first time. The AMIF project was launched to bridge those gaps and make integration support truly fit the individual.

To do this, we are redesigning how society orientation is delivered. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, we are creating smaller, hands-on groups with a gentler pace for those who need extra time and support, such as humanitarian migrants and less-educated newcomers. At the same time, we are developing flexible, part-time models for individuals who can’t attend intensive courses because they are already busy with work, studies, or running a business. Based directly on feedback from past participants, we are also injecting much more focus into practical themes like Finnish workplace culture, job searching, and educational pathways.

Looking ahead, the project is also proactively preparing for upcoming shifts, such as the scheduled end of temporary protection status for many residents in 2027. By offering well-timed, practical information about residence permits, employment rights, and duties, we aim to prevent workplace exploitation and empower people as they transition to new phases of their lives in Finland. Built on the shared expertise of employment specialists, integration advisors, and language coaches, this project is all about building a welcoming, accessible, and fair path forward for every new resident in Tampere.