The Excluding and Accepting Agency of Local Residents Towards Asylum Seekers During the Operation of a Reception Centre

Abstract

This research is localized in the city of Kauhava where an asylum seekers' reception center operated from 2015 to 2019. Kauhava is considered as new immigrant destination (NID). The study examines the agency of local residents. The data consists of individual and group interviews. Conceptual content analysis was employed as the method of analyzing the data. The results revealed that the establishment of the reception center in the place where ”Training Air Wing” military flight school operated earlier caused opposition because the place was significant for the residents. The arrival of asylum seekers caused opposition among locals. Some locals volunteered through organizations or churches. After the closure of the reception center, some locals expressed that the asylum seekers who remained in the town were welcome as new residents and workers in a municipality facing decline of population. However, some of those who initially opposed the reception center still felt bitterness towards the decision-makers of the center and the organizations and churches that assisted asylum seekers. The analysis revealed the nimby phenomenon. In conclusion, it is emphasized that local features should be considered when establishing reception centers, involving local residents in the planning process and taking into account their potential concerns.