Iraqis in Finland

Iraqis in Finland (العراقيون في فنلندا) are people with Iraqi background residing in Finland. As of 31 December 2022, they numbered 28,022, making them the third largest immigrant group in Finland behind Russians and Estonians.

Migration
Most Iraqis in Finland have come as refugees. Of the 32,000 people who sought asylum in Finland in 2015, 21,000 were Iraqis, or two-thirds of all asylum seekers.

Asylum based on clan feuds
Iraq is a clan-based society like many in the Middle East. Many Iraqis claim asylum in Finland on the basis that they are threatened by rival clans in their home country, but the refugee conventions state that asylum is granted on the basis of being persecuted by authorities of a country. Persecution by other civilians is primarily a concern of police in the country of origin. This creates contradictions because officials in Iraqi police authorities might themselves be members of a rival clan.

Mandaeans
Finland has a community of Iraqi Mandaeans.

Distribution
Helsinki is home to the largest Iraqi community, but Turku has the highest proportion.