UNPROTECTED FAMILIES: Research on the well-being of families in irregular migrant situation in Finland
Aalto-Samateh, Anne-Mari (2020)
Aalto-Samateh, Anne-Mari
2020
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2020112323741
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2020112323741
Tiivistelmä
The topic of this thesis is the well-being of migrant families in irregular situation. The study gives an insight on family life in irregular situation in Finland. The aim of the study is to develop discussion on the reality of families in irregular situation: what motivates them, what gives them strength and what kind of communities they have. The thesis was done in collaboration with the Unprotected Community Project working under the Helsinki Deaconess Foundation. The data collected in this thesis project was used as a validation of effectivity of the project in their final report. The interview participants were parents who live in irregular situation in the capital area and were using the services of the Unprotected Community project.
The methodological approach of the thesis was qualitative. The data was collected through semi-structural interview an analysed through thematic analysis. The theoretical background of the research leans on the Good Relations policies introduced by the Ministry of Justice Finland. The Good Relations policies aim to promote equality and prevent discrimination. One of the aims of the thesis was to give the undocumented themselves a chance to voice out their situation. This was reached through the interviews.
From the interviews three initial themes were determined – trust for change, future prospects and grievances of the system. In addition to these themes, the support systems were studied. The themes rising from the interviews were compared to the Good Relations policies. Based on the research, the need for support and understanding of the processes became visible. The participants emphasized the difficulties of the system and the complexity of their situation. Family and children were seen as important strengths and motivators in the irregular situation and the parents highlighted how they would do anything for their children. Despite how difficult the situation might seem, the participants highlighted that it is still better for the family in Finland than in the country of their origin.
In conclusion, the research shows that one of the main ways of tackling irregular migration is to make sure the undocumented understand their own rights and opportunities. The solution to reduce the number of migrants in irregular situation is to give them more realistic opportunities to change their situation. This can be achieved, for example, through changing the attitudes towards the irregular migrants and realising them as an asset rather than a deficiency.
The methodological approach of the thesis was qualitative. The data was collected through semi-structural interview an analysed through thematic analysis. The theoretical background of the research leans on the Good Relations policies introduced by the Ministry of Justice Finland. The Good Relations policies aim to promote equality and prevent discrimination. One of the aims of the thesis was to give the undocumented themselves a chance to voice out their situation. This was reached through the interviews.
From the interviews three initial themes were determined – trust for change, future prospects and grievances of the system. In addition to these themes, the support systems were studied. The themes rising from the interviews were compared to the Good Relations policies. Based on the research, the need for support and understanding of the processes became visible. The participants emphasized the difficulties of the system and the complexity of their situation. Family and children were seen as important strengths and motivators in the irregular situation and the parents highlighted how they would do anything for their children. Despite how difficult the situation might seem, the participants highlighted that it is still better for the family in Finland than in the country of their origin.
In conclusion, the research shows that one of the main ways of tackling irregular migration is to make sure the undocumented understand their own rights and opportunities. The solution to reduce the number of migrants in irregular situation is to give them more realistic opportunities to change their situation. This can be achieved, for example, through changing the attitudes towards the irregular migrants and realising them as an asset rather than a deficiency.