Effective September 1, 2024, Finland’s new legislative amendments will prevent the evasion of provisions on entry more effectively than before.
The existing provision, which is subject to interpretation, will be replaced by new, more specific regulation. The Aliens Act will specify each situation in which a residence permit must be refused, including provision of false information, irregular stay, working illegally in Finland and marriage of convenience.
- The amendments are intended to stop the practice of switching from an asylum procedure to a work-related immigration procedure in order to apply for a residence permit.
- Applicants for international protection or persons whose application has been rejected can no longer obtain a residence permit on the basis of employment, self-employment or studies.
This will prevent cases where an applicant applies for asylum with the sole aim of finding employment or studying in Finland. With the amendment, applicants for a residence permit must verify their identity with a national travel document, with certain exceptions.
Other Key Changes
Biometric data may, in the future, be added to alerts on return and on refusal of entry and stay stored in the Schengen Information System. This will improve the ability of the authorities to verify the identity of the person subject to the alert or to identify the person. Alerts help the authorities ensure that the obligation to return has been complied with, support the enforcement of return decisions and prevent persons from returning to the Schengen area if they are subject to an entry ban.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
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.