Feb 11 • 13:32 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Yle Uutiset

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assisted over 245,000 Finns around the world last year

Last year, Finland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its representations provided consular services to approximately 245,000 clients globally.

Finland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it provided consular services to over 245,000 individuals residing or traveling abroad in the last year. This significant number reflects the extensive support network available for Finnish citizens outside of Finland, highlighting the ministry's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its nationals overseas. The service includes assistance during emergencies, health issues, and legal troubles, which are crucial for travelers as well as expatriates.

Statistical data revealed that the ministry's 24/7 helpline received approximately 6,700 calls during the year, focusing primarily on emergencies related to travel disruptions, health concerns, or detentions. The highest number of assistance cases originated from popular destinations among Finns, such as Spain, Germany, Thailand, Estonia, and Sweden. In addition, the consular unit managed over 600 cases of deaths abroad and assisted around 70 citizens who fell victim to crimes, indicating a diverse range of situations in which Finns required help.

The report also indicated that nearly 16,000 passports and over 5,500 identity cards were issued by Finnish representations worldwide. The Middle East conflict was particularly noted for being a significant contributor to consular crises in the past year, alongside instances of political unrest and violence that affected Finnish nationals. This overview underscores the importance of robust consular services in addressing the various challenges faced by Finnish citizens abroad and highlights the ongoing need for effective crisis management and support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

📡 Similar Coverage