Most of the people who have fled Ukraine enter the country and apply for temporary protection. Ukrainians may also enter Finland holding a different immigration status. For example, a Ukrainian biometric passport may be used to stay in Finland for three months without a visa. However, this does not qualify for a right to services the same way as those arriving under a temporary protection status. It is important that the authorities guide immigrants to apply for temporary protection and advise them of their right to primary and lower secondary education (basic education) so that their children attend school.
Municipalities are encouraged to provide primary and lower secondary education (basic education) for all Ukrainian children residing in the municipality regardless of their immigration status. Schools and school communities support children’s wellbeing and help create a safe everyday life. It is important to ensure that the gap in learning for children who have fled Ukraine does not become too long.
The Basic Education Act enables efficient and effective measures for organising pre-primary, primary and lower secondary education (basic education). Municipalities organise pre-primary, primary and lower secondary education for children of compulsory school age living in their area in the year preceding compulsory education. Those within the scope of temporary protection as well as asylum seekers who are entitled to pre-primary, primary and lower secondary education (basic education) may also participate in such education. This right can be acquired on condition that that their stay in the municipality can be regarded as living in the municipality. Living in a municipality does not require that the municipality is the child’s municipality of residence