Finland’s Immigration Service (Migri) issued 169 deportation decisions against foreign nationals convicted of crimes last year, the highest figure recorded to date. The total marks an increase of more than 30 per cent compared with the previous year.
The figures were first reported by Helsingin Sanomat on Friday.
The largest groups by nationality were Iraqi, Estonian and Russian citizens. The majority of those ordered to leave the country were men.
Olli Koskipirtti, who oversees the removal process at Migri, told Helsingin Sanomat that several factors explain the rise. He cited intensified post-decision monitoring of residence permits and an amendment to the law that entered into force last year.
The legislative change lowered the threshold for deporting individuals who have received international protection. Under the revised rules, authorities have wider scope to assess whether a criminal conviction justifies removal from the country.
Police proposals for deportation also led to decisions more often than before. About 75 per cent of police submissions resulted in a deportation order last year. In previous years the proportion ranged between 52 and 69 per cent.
The National Police Board told Helsingin Sanomat that officers have submitted deportation proposals to Migri at a lower threshold than in earlier years.
HT