Finland is implementing the extension of the temporary protection mechanism agreed by the Council of the European Union on September 28, 2023.
The temporary protection mechanism was originally activated on February 24, 2022, and will now be extended until March 4, 2025.
According to the decision of the Council of the European Union, the extension of temporary protection applies to:
- Ukrainian citizens and family members of Ukrainian citizens who resided in Ukraine on February 24, 2022;
- Those who were granted international protection in Ukraine before February 24, 2022 or who are a family member of a person who was granted international protection in Ukraine;
- Those who resided in Ukraine with a permanent residence permit on February 24, 2022, and who cannot return to their home country or region of origin in safe and durable conditions.
In March 2022, the Finnish government extended temporary protection to
- Ukrainian citizens who had left Ukraine before the start of the war and
- third-country nationals who were residing in Ukraine with a non-permanent residence permit. The decision concerning these third-country nationals was repealed by decision of the Government on September 7, 2023. Third-country nationals are citizens of countries that have not joined the European Union or the Schengen Agreement.
In the next few weeks, the government will decide whether to continue granting temporary protection to these persons as well.
Qualifying residents whose residence permit on the basis of temporary protection is extended will be sent a letter containing information about the extension. Current holders should make sure that their reception centre has their current address, telephone number and email address. If they are not registered as a client of a reception centre, they should make sure that the Finnish Immigration Service has their contact details.
They will also receive a text message stating that their permit has been extended. If the permit is not extended, the authorities will send a letter with further instructions. It is not currently possible to apply for a new card that is valid until March 4, 2025.
Erickson Insights
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.