This thesis describes the preparation and initial stages of receiving quota refugees in a rural municipality, as well as the needs for services from the perspective of the public sector. The purpose of the study was to explore how the preparation work was put into practice in one municipality and what kind of special features there are in the service needs of quota refugees, from the authorities' perspective.

The purpose of this thesis was to create tools to help the local authorities to work with quota refugees. The material was obtained in group discussions and in thematic interviews among the local authorities. The material was analyzed using the SWOT -analysis and by arranging the data into themes according to the special needs of the quota refugees, and the strengths, weaknesses, challenges and opportunities of authorities working with quota refugees.

The main challenges for the local authorities were realisation of client-orientation when working with quota refugees and addressing the diverse service needs of quota refugee families. Their strength was deemed to lie in client-oriented approach, interaction skills, orderliness, and in mastering networking and the diverse field of work. The diversity and versatility and the entailed challenges in working with quota refugees were regarded as an opportunity for professional development. Multiculturalism was found interesting and exhilarating.

The preparations for the arrival of quota refugees were organized effectively and the initial stage was easy to implement according to the plans. As development needs, the thesis indicated addressing the inflexible and inadequate resources, as well as increasing the cultural and professional know-how in working with quota refugees. The employees wished to continue the regional cooperation, especially in the matters of professional further training.