The signatories of a letter to Migri management argue that immigration plays a key role in the future growth of eastern Finland, and closing the offices will have a detrimental effect.Migri plans to close its offices in Lahti, Kuopio and Kuhmo. Image: Antti-Petteri Karhunen / Yle Yle News8:16Plans by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) to close its offices in Kuopio, Kuhmo and Lahti have raised concerns among universities, city officials and business leaders in eastern Finland, who argue the closures will harm the region's competitiveness and growth prospects.The offices in Lahti and Kuopio are due to close in spring next year.The letter, signed by Kuopio and Joensuu city managers Soile Lahti and Jere Penttilä, and others, notes that the closure of the offices would have a detrimental impact on the region's competitiveness, vitality and accessibility.Immigration plays a central role in the growth of each city, the letter added, as Migri's services help international professionals settle in Eastern Finland and improve companies' recruitment opportunities.The region's universities noted that accessible immigration services are vital for the region's growing number of international students and staff.Migri seeking savingsA spokesperson for Migri told Yle that the offices in eastern Finland face closure because of the government's decision to reduce the authority's budget.Harriet Mallenius, head of the Finnish Immigration Service's customer and facility services unit, said Migri must find over two million euros in savings by the end of 2027, primarily by cutting back on property costs.She added that over 70 percent of Migri customers visit the three offices in Helsinki, Tampere and Raisio offices."These are the areas assessed as particularly critical for customer service operations," Mallenius said.Although Migri will attempt to mitigate the effects of the office closures by offering other types of services, such as pop-up offices at educational institutions, Mallenius conceded that the cuts will have an impact on immigration services in the region.Finland's government has significantly reduced funding for immigration and integration services during its time in office, with more cuts in the pipeline.Last year, Yle News' All Points North podcast asked if Finland is making integration more difficult for foreigners. Listen to the episode via this embedded player, on Yle Areena, via Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.Is Finland making integration more difficult?Is Finland making integration more difficult?