Data on Immigrants to Finland: The Case Behind Missing Data

This case-based research studies and presents the processes of data- and information gathering to national registers by Finnish authorities from immigrants to Finland. The focus is on understanding and modeling how data is accumulated, on the problems that remain, and the time-lags involved in data accrual within the Finnish system. We look at the actors, resources and the legislation involved and discuss the benefits of having good data and the importance of data renewal. A real-world case of Ukrainians with residence permits based on temporary protection is presented. The data accumulation process is a secondary process when a migrant is received, which makes it essential to pay separate attention to it. During escalating phases of immigration, the performance of the data accumulation process can be estimated. Improvements to data gathering processes, interorganizational collaboration, and data sharing and consolidation are proposed. If processes the immigrants go through, starting from the earliest possible (arrival) stage, do not integrate data collection and data updating, it will be both costly and often difficult to fill data-gaps later. Common and transparent data related processes and a data-collection plan with definition of core variables would provide a solid base for creating a comprehensive data-based profile for every entrant and reliable information on immigrants in general. Data on educational background of immigrants is an example of the type of data that is now collected (mostly) separately and typically remains incomplete. Missing information may give rise to incorrect assumptions and lead, e.g., to actions and assistance being offered at an individual or national level, not being justified by reliable information. Immigration issues are a timely topic that requires reliable data to be understood correctly and researched reliably.