Finland will introduce new immigration rules on Friday aimed at speeding up deportations and strengthening measures against individuals considered threats to national security.
The amendments to the Aliens Act, approved by President Alexander Stubb on 9 June, will enter into force on 12 June as part of the government’s broader migration policy programme.
The changes will alter how deportation decisions are enforced and expand the authorities’ powers to issue entry bans before a person arrives in Finland or the wider Schengen area.
Under the new rules, an appeal against a deportation decision will no longer automatically suspend enforcement. In most cases, authorities will be able to carry out a deportation 30 days after the decision has been formally served, once the appeal period has expired.
Individuals facing deportation will still have the option of asking an administrative court to halt or suspend enforcement while an appeal is considered. If the court rejects the appeal, the deportation may then proceed.
The reforms apply to foreign nationals who have lived in Finland with residence permits linked to work, studies or other grounds but whose permits have been withdrawn or not renewed. The changes do not affect deportation procedures related to asylum cases.
The government says the revised framework is intended to reduce delays in removal procedures and make returns more efficient.
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said the reforms support objectives set out in Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government programme, including improving voluntary returns, increasing the effectiveness of forced removals and strengthening security.
A second major change introduces the possibility of imposing entry bans in advance on third-country nationals considered a serious threat to public order, public security or national security.
Authorities say the measure is designed to prevent individuals regarded as security risks from entering Finland or other Schengen countries. The category may include known or convicted terrorists and other individuals assessed as posing a significant threat.
The National Bureau of Investigation will be responsible for issuing advance entry bans. Decisions may be made following proposals from other security authorities or on the bureau’s own initiative.
As a rule, the bans will apply throughout the Schengen area rather than only in Finland. They may be imposed for a period of up to 15 years or, in some cases, without a fixed end date.
The measures form part of a wider package of immigration reforms introduced by the centre-right coalition government since taking office in 2023.
HT