Migrants and social cohesion Estonia 2011

Asylum seeker statistics in Estonia in 1997 – 2011 Between , 217 applications were submitted from asylum seekers. Which 25 people were placed in the shelter, 17 got an additional protection, 71 application were refused and 47 application requests. Most applicants arrived from Russia (n=35), Afghanistan (n = 27), Iraq (n = 24) and Turkey (n = 18). By Continental, 59% were from Asia, 27% from Europe and 14% from Africa.

The reasons why the asylum seekers have arrived in Estonia, were different. The first reasons are foremost an economic crisis and lack of democracy in their country. Also, military and political situation in the country. In addition to the religious persecution. In general, Estonia is not the country of destination but it is layover to go to Scandinavia mainly.

Estonian official asylum policy began in 1997, when the first act was entered into force. Also this year Estonia joined the UN Convention on Refugees. And 31 January 1967 to the Status of Refugees Protocol.

Estonia has been one of the smallest number of asylum applications in the EU and in the country have implemented conservative policies on immigration and asylum applications in review. One reason, why Estonia has negative approach for refugee-applyers, is not having enough facilities to provide their social insurance. More.. strict immigration policy, faint preparation of Estonian judges and lawyers for international protection and refugee-status field, big amount of refusals by giving a refugee-status.

Asylum seeker’s journey to the special center (a shelter) An asylum seeker who arrives in Estonia, has to immediately submit an application for asylum to Police and Border Protection Office or appeale to Citizenship and Migration Department. After submission of the application perform primary procedures, like verification of documents and things that were accompanied, written fixation of the journey and reasons to submit, take a photograph, fingerprinting and if necessary health check and DNA analysis. After all of this the person is placed to Illuka Reception Centre for Asylum Seekers

Positive, negative social aspects in Illuka Reception Centre for Asylum Seeker. In this center (shelter) an overwhelming majority of people have bad relations with the locals. There is a noticeable lack of tolerance for applicants, that manifests itself in negative comments and open-minded. However, the relationship with Illuka Reception Centre for Asylum Seekers staff and support persons are good. Negative side is also that there is not enough Estonian-language television channels in the center.

Services that are avaiable for the asylum seekers Services are Estonian language courses, health care services and support person service in integration project. The most important is integration program - Integration project will help them adapt. People show them different places in Estonia, talk about the culture. And Estonian language training because this helps people to integrate. But unfortunately these are not enough.

The asylum seeker who are staying in Estonia at the shelter are not allowed to work or do business during asylum procedures or when applying for a temporary protection on the basis of residence except when Police and Border Protection have not made a decision regarding his application during one year. Prohibition of employment creates a sense among the candidates that they do not benefit society, and limits their opportunity for self-realization. They can support every month euros. Estonian immigrants do not have any rights (including in policy), as long as there is no decision about them.