{"id":1448,"date":"2026-10-01T19:14:01","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T16:14:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/?p=1448"},"modified":"2026-10-02T16:45:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T13:45:23","slug":"citizensassemblymaterials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/en\/citizensassemblymaterials\/","title":{"rendered":"Participant materials for the citizens\u2019 assembly"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On this page you will find participant materials for the citizens\u2019 assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:0px;}.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-right:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-left:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;background:#f2f2f2;color:#555555;padding-top:9px;padding-right:13px;padding-bottom:9px;padding-left:13px;}.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#555555;}.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#555555;}.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#f2f2f2;}.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{color:#444444;background:#eeeeee;border-top:1px solid #878787;border-right:1px solid #878787;border-bottom:1px solid #878787;border-left:1px solid #878787;}.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion--visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#444444;}.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#444444;}.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#eeeeee;}.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{color:#ffffff;background:#444444;border-top:1px solid #444444;border-right:1px solid #444444;border-bottom:1px solid #444444;border-left:1px solid #444444;}.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ffffff;}.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#ffffff;}.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#444444;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-right:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-left:1px solid #f2f2f2;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{border-top:1px solid #878787;border-right:1px solid #878787;border-bottom:1px solid #878787;border-left:1px solid #878787;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top:1px solid #444444;border-right:1px solid #444444;border-bottom:1px solid #444444;border-left:1px solid #444444;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{display:block;}.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap .kt-accordion-pane:not(:first-child){margin-top:0px;}.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;}.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-right:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;border-left:1px solid #f2f2f2;}.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{border-top:1px solid #878787;border-right:1px solid #878787;border-bottom:1px solid #878787;border-left:1px solid #878787;}.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top:1px solid #444444;border-right:1px solid #444444;border-bottom:1px solid #444444;border-left:1px solid #444444;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-accordion alignnone\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-wrap kt-accordion-id1448_5d261e-34 kt-accordion-has-17-panes kt-active-pane-0 kt-accordion-block kt-pane-header-alignment-left kt-accodion-icon-style-basic kt-accodion-icon-side-right\" style=\"max-width:none\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-inner-wrap\" data-allow-multiple-open=\"true\" data-start-open=\"none\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-11 kt-pane1448_9fa78e-14\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\"><strong>Frequently asked questions (FAQ)<\/strong><\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions from those invited to the citizens\u2019 assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How are participants selected for the citizens&#8217; assembly?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A total of 20,000 adults living in Finland were invited to take part in the citizens\u2019 assembly through a random sample by the Finnish Digital and Population Data Services Agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those invited could register to take part in the citizens\u2019 assembly. By the deadline, 1,601 people had registered, i.e. 8% of those invited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Around 100 participants will be selected from among those who registered. The selection will be carried out by the University of Turku research team using quota-based random sampling. In other words, around 100 participants will be drawn at random from the registrants so that certain quotas are met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The quota criteria are age, gender, region of residence, level of education, place of birth (Finland\/elsewhere) and party preference. This information was collected during registration. All information is treated as confidential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quotas are used to ensure that the composition reflects a broad range of population groups and perspectives. The size of each quota is based on that group\u2019s share of the population. For example, women make up slightly over 50% of Finland\u2019s population, so the quota for women in the random sample is 47\u201353%. Quotas for party preference are based on the results of the previous parliamentary election. A separate quota is set for those who did not report a party preference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How will I be informed about the selection, and how do I confirm participation?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone who registered for the citizens&#8217; assembly will be informed of the selection by email no later than 15 October 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selected participants must confirm their participation by submitting the form by the deadline. In the same form, they will be asked about accommodation and any other needs related to participation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If participation is not confirmed by the deadline, the place may be offered to someone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How and when is the participation payment paid?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Participants in the citizens&#8217; assembly will receive a total participation payment of EUR 400. This is the participation payment for taking part in the citizens&#8217; assembly as a whole, not a payment per individual meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To receive the payment, participants must attend all in-person and online meetings. If illness or another unexpected situation prevents attendance, the organisers must be informed as soon as possible and before the meeting begins. Such situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The University of Turku will pay the participation payment to the participant&#8217;s bank account after the citizens&#8217; assembly concludes in spring 2027. The participation payment is taxable income, and tax will be withheld based on the participant&#8217;s tax information. The participation payment cannot be exchanged for, for example, a gift card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The participation payment may affect certain income-related benefits. As this depends on the participant&#8217;s individual circumstances and the specific benefit, participants should check with the paying institution if necessary (for example, Kela).<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How are travel and accommodation reimbursed?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Public transport travel expenses related to participation in the citizens&#8217; assembly will be reimbursed. A standard public transport ticket will be reimbursed for the journey. Additional charges for, for example, Extra class, seat reservation for an extra fee, or ticket flexibility add-ons will not be reimbursed.<br><br><strong>Participants purchase their tickets themselves, and expenses are reimbursed after the citizens\u2019 assembly against receipts. <\/strong>Tickets must be purchased no later than three weeks before travel. Commuter traffic tickets do not need to be booked in advance. Participants may book their tickets immediately after confirming their participation by completing the participation form. There is no need to have public transport travel approved by the organisers or to inform the organisers of travel schedules.&nbsp;<br><br>Air travel can be reimbursed only if there is a specific reason for flying and this has been agreed with the organisers <strong>in advance<\/strong> by email or by phone. The same conditions apply to taxi travel.<br><br>If there is no suitable public transport connection, reimbursement for the use of a private car may be paid in accordance with the University of Turku travel regulations, as well as parking costs against a receipt in the parking area specified by the organisers. Use of a private car and parking can be reimbursed only if there is a specific reason for using a car and this has been agreed with the organisers <strong>in advance<\/strong> by email or by phone.<br><br><strong>For participants travelling from outside the Helsinki Capital Region<\/strong> (Espoo, Helsinki, Hyvink\u00e4\u00e4, J\u00e4rvenp\u00e4\u00e4, Kauniainen, Karkkila, Kerava, Kirkkonummi, Lohja, M\u00e4nts\u00e4l\u00e4, Nurmij\u00e4rvi, Pornainen, Porvoo, Siuntio, Sipoo, Tuusula, Vantaa, Vihti), <strong>hotel accommodation can be arranged when needed in connection with in-person meetings if daily commuting to the venue would not be reasonable<\/strong>. Accommodation is arranged from Saturday to Sunday. Accommodation can also be arranged from Friday onwards if the participant would otherwise need to leave home before 5 a.m. or if there is no suitable night train connection to Helsinki.<br><br>The organisers will book hotel rooms on participants&#8217; behalf, <strong>so participants should not book accommodation themselves.<\/strong> Accommodation is provided near the meeting venue in a single room, and breakfast is included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Travel and accommodation arrangements may be adjusted on a case-by-case basis if a participant has special needs related to health, financial situation, accessibility or the need for a personal assistant. In such cases, participants must contact the organisers<strong> in advance<\/strong> by email or by phone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>When does the citizens&#8217; assembly meet?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The citizens&#8217; assembly meets over two weekends in Helsinki and on four weekdays online. All participants attend both the in-person and online meetings on the dates and at the times stated in the invitation. The meeting venue is in Pasila, Helsinki, a short walk from Pasila station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More detailed information about the meetings will be sent by email to those selected no later than 15 October 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Online meetings take place on an online meeting platform via a browser, so no separate software needs to be installed. Participants need a working internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone. A link and detailed instructions will be emailed before each meeting. Technical support will be available before and during the online meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Participants are expected to attend all in-person and online meetings. Online meetings can be attended from Finland or abroad. The in-person meetings in Helsinki cannot be attended remotely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why is the citizens&#8217; assembly organised, and what topic does it address?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The citizens&#8217; assembly discusses what Finland should do regarding work-based immigration in the coming years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The citizens&#8217; assembly is part of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sitra.fi\/en\/projects\/the-future-of-work-based-immigration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">broader participation process<\/a> that gathers the views of people living in Finland on work-based immigration in several different ways. The aim is to identify feasible solutions to challenges related to demographic change and skills, and to support decision-making on work-based immigration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The citizens&#8217; assembly is commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra. Implementation and related research are carried out by the <a href=\"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Research Group for Innovating Democracy<\/a> at the University of Turku. The citizens&#8217; assembly is funded by Sitra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How does the citizens&#8217; assembly work? What is expected from participants?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Participation does not require prior knowledge of work-based immigration or a pre-formed opinion. During the process, participants will receive a wide range of background information, may ask questions of experts and representatives of different viewpoints, and will discuss the topic with other participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most discussions take place in small groups of around ten people. Each group has a trained facilitator whose role is to ensure a constructive discussion and that everyone has an opportunity to be heard. The process also includes plenary sessions with all participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Participants do not need to speak in front of the full assembly. Everyone can take part in a way that feels natural, and participants are welcome to explain their views, evaluate them critically and also change them during the discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The citizens&#8217; assembly will consider different, and sometimes conflicting, views. Facilitators ensure that discussions remain respectful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before the process begins, participants will receive background materials which they may read in advance if they wish. Advance reading is not required, and there is no homework between meetings. The citizens&#8217; assembly&#8217;s main work is done during the meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the end of the process, participants will prepare a joint statement with recommendations. A joint statement does not mean that everyone must agree on everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In what language does the citizens&#8217; assembly work?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main working language of the citizens&#8217; assembly is Finnish. Participants may also take part in Swedish and English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If required, interpreting or other language support will be provided. The aim is to ensure that limited Finnish language skills do not prevent full participation. Any need for interpreting must be indicated when confirming participation so that the organisers can make the necessary arrangements with the participant.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How public is the citizens\u2019 assembly?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The citizens\u2019 assembly is not open to the public. Members of the public cannot attend to follow the discussions. In addition to participants, the organisers, facilitators and pre-agreed partners will be present.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Participants will use only their first names during meetings. Participants\u2019 first and last names will not be published in connection with the assembly\u2019s statement or the researchers\u2019 final report. Participants are expected to respect the privacy of others.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some parts of the citizens\u2019 assembly will be open to the media. No one will be asked to appear publicly unless they wish to do so. Any filming or interviews are entirely voluntary. The media may film or interview only participants who have given explicit consent. In addition, in the organisers\u2019 communications, photos, names and interviews will be published only for participants who have given permission.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The organisers will ensure the safety of the event. Security personnel will be present at in-person meetings, and facilitators will intervene in inappropriate behaviour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Will I receive a certificate of participation?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a rule, no certificate of participation is issued. If a certificate is needed, for example for work or study purposes, participants can request one from the organisers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How are personal data protected and what are they used for?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Personal data are used to send invitations, select participants, communicate about the citizens&#8217; assembly and conduct research. The data are processed by the University of Turku researchers and other specifically authorised persons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Information provided during registration is treated as confidential. An individual participant&#8217;s personal data or political views will not be published or shared with external parties. Statistical information about the participants may be published (for example, the age or gender distribution), but published data will not allow individual participants to be identified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More detailed information on the processing of personal data, retention periods and participants&#8217; rights can be found in the <a href=\"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1545\/2026\/09\/Tietosuojaseloste_Kansalaiskokous-tyoperaisesta-maahanmuutosta_1.9.2026.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">privacy notice<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Are personal data kept separate from research data?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Names and contact details are stored separately from other survey responses and removed from the research data after the research project ends, unless the participant gives separate permission to retain them for longer. Survey data are anonymised before analysis. Transcripts of discussions are anonymised and stored for later research use without direct identifiers. Survey data are anonymised and archived in a data archive in line with the principles of open science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Are meetings recorded? How are audio\/video anonymised and deleted?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Participants&#8217; audio and video are recorded in order to transcribe the discussions. In online meetings, recordings are made via the remote meeting platform in use. In in-person meetings, transcription is carried out in real time using an application. Recordings are not used for biometric identification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During analysis, recordings are transcribed and transcripts are anonymised. Recordings of the discussion sessions are destroyed after transcription, and in any case no later than one year after the end of the research project. For transcription purposes, recordings may be shared with an external service provider in accordance with data protection practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What is the relationship to decision-making? What is the output?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The citizens&#8217; assembly is part of a broader citizen participation process in which citizens&#8217; views on work-based immigration are being collected on an unprecedented scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The aim of the work initiated by Sitra and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is to strengthen society&#8217;s decision-making capacity and trust, as well as citizens&#8217; opportunities to influence decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The citizens&#8217; assembly will produce a statement containing recommendations for the use of the commissioning organisations, decision-makers and political parties. The statement will be submitted to them in spring 2027 ahead of the parliamentary election. The statement will also be published on the citizens&#8217; assembly website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will discuss the Citizens&#8217; Assembly statement in February 2027 and publish an official response to the assembly\u2019s recommendations during spring 2027. The response will take the recommendations into account and set out how work-based immigration can be developed in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, the University of Turku researchers will publish a final report on the citizens&#8217; assembly and a report evaluating the impact of the overall project. The impact assessment discusses the effects of the participation process on participants, public debate and policy preparation during spring and summer 2027. The impact assessment will be completed in autumn 2027 and published on the citizens&#8217; assembly website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Has something like this been done before?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Citizens&#8217; assemblies have been organised many times around the world, and they have become more common in Finland in recent years. However, the citizens&#8217; assembly on work-based immigration marks the first time in Finland that different methods of citizen participation are being linked together on this scale around a major issue. The citizens&#8217; assembly now being organised is also the largest citizens&#8217; assembly implemented in Finland that produces written recommendations for decision-makers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Similar citizen participation processes on immigration are also underway, for example in the <a href=\"https:\/\/committees.parliament.uk\/work\/9550\/your-voice-on-immigration\/publications\/\" rel=\"noopener\">United Kingdom<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.burgerberaad-migratie.nl\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Netherlands<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More information about the citizens&#8217; assembly method can be found in this <a href=\"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/kansalaiskeskusteluopas\/\">guide<\/a> (in Finnish), written by researchers at the University of Turku.<br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-16 kt-pane1448_98b41b-ee\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\"><strong>Privacy notice and research participant information sheet<\/strong><\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1545\/2026\/09\/Privacy-notice_Citizens-assembly-on-work-based-immigration_1.9.2026.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Privacy notice<\/a> (pdf)<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1545\/2026\/09\/Information-sheet_Citizens-assembly-on-work-based-immigration_1.9.2026.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Research participant information sheet<\/a> (pdf)<br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-17 kt-pane1448_bf4042-21\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\"><strong>Inquiries<\/strong><\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have any questions, please contact the University of Turku research team by email at <a href=\"mailto:demokratia@utu.fi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">demokratia@utu.fi<\/a>.<br><br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On this page you will find participant materials for the citizens\u2019 assembly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3255,"featured_media":1369,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","wds_primary_category":83,"footnotes":""},"categories":[83],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1448","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-documents"],"acf":[],"lang":"en","translations":{"en":1448,"fi":1444},"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":83,"label":"Documents"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1545\/2026\/06\/naamagalleria-1-1024x576.jpg",1024,576,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"mjtaskutufi","author_link":"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/author\/mjtaskutufi\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":83,"name":"Documents","slug":"documents","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":83,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":34,"count":2,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":83,"category_count":2,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Documents","category_nicename":"documents","category_parent":34}],"tag_info":false,"pll_sync_post":{},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1448","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3255"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1448"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1448\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1529,"href":"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1448\/revisions\/1529"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1369"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1448"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1448"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.utu.fi\/demokratia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1448"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}