Head of Joutseno reception center appointed director general of Migri

The government has appointed Jari Kähkönen as the director general of the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) for the period between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2025.

Until now, Kähkönen was the head of the Joutseno reception center. Built on the premises of an old prison in the Konnunsuo neighborhood, this center also houses a detention unit where some immigrants are held prior to deportation.

In a press release, the Ministry of the Interior said Jari Kähkönen, Master of Administrative Sciences, "has broad experience in different aspects related to migration matters." However, his appointment has been criticized within the administration and in the press, where it has been said that there were other more suitable candidates.

Newspaper Iltalehti published two days ago that Kähkönen had been chosen by the Interior Minister, Maria Ohisalo, despite being the least experienced candidate for the position of the three who had run. The other two candidates were the so far director general, Jaana Vuorio, and her deputy director, Raimo Pyysalo.

Jari Kähkönen. Image: Finnish Government.

The boss in Joutseno

Kähkönen has been the director of the Joutseno Reception Centre since 2009. He has been responsible for the management of the centre, for the development and monitoring of its activities and finances, and for cooperation with other migration authorities.

“In reception services, we work in close contact with our clients and their everyday lives. This has provided experience and insight into developing customer-oriented services and management. It is great to continue to develop the entire Finnish Immigration Service in cooperation with staff and stakeholders," Kähkonen said.

Kähkönen also worked for Migri as a senior adviser in the Asylum Unit between 2004 and 2008. Previously, he worked as training manager at the Finnish Institute of Public Management Ltd (HAUS).