Changes in the administrative branch of the Ministry of the Interior at the turn of the year

Amendments to legislation and decrees will enter into force at the beginning of 2022, of which the most important ones are explained in this release.

Reform of Lotteries Act aims to combat negative impacts of gambling more effectively

The Lotteries Act that regulates gambling will be amended. The focus of the reform is on preventing harm caused by gambling, combating marketing that violates the Lotteries Act, and directing the demand for gambling towards activities that are covered by the Lotteries Act. The President of the Republic approved the bill on 22 December 2021. The amendments will enter into force on 1 January 2022.

Changes in police service fees: passport price falls, prices of other licences and permits remain the same or rise

Police licence and permit fees are due to change in 2022. The price of a passport will fall, while most prices of other licences and permits will rise. The prices of identity cards will remain unchanged. The changes reflect the cost-correlation of licences and permits. The fees charged for licences and permits must correspond by law to the costs incurred in issuing these documents.

Amendment to the reception act clarifies responsibilities for preparing for mass influx of migrants

The reception act will be amended so that the Finnish Immigration Service will have central responsibility for preparedness planning concerning the organisation of reception services in the event of a mass influx of migrants. The President of the Republic approved the bill for the act on Thursday 16 December. The act will enter into force on 1 January 2022.

Fees charged by the Finnish Immigration Service to change in 2022

The Ministry of the Interior has issued a decree on fees charged by the Finnish Immigration Service. The decree will enter into force on 1 January 2022.

Assistance for voluntary return to remain unchanged

The Ministry of the Interior has issued a decree on assistance for voluntary return for 2022–2023. The decree will enter into force on 1 January 2022.

Fees charged by Emergency Services Academy and Emergency Response Centre Agency to change in 2022

The Ministry of the Interior has issued decrees on the chargeable services of Pelastusopisto – Emergency Services Academy Finland and the Emergency Response Centre Agency. The decrees will enter into force on 1 January 2022.

Inquiries:

Akseli Koskela, State Secretary, tel. +358 295 488 526, akseli.koskela@govsec.fi
Jukka Tukia, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 488 573, jukka.tukia@govsec.fi
Elina Rydman, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 488 586, elina.rydman@govsec.fi (lotteries act)
Johanna Kari, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 29 548 8662, johanna.kari@govsec.fi (police service fees)
Mari Helenius, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 214, mari.helenius@govsec.fi (amendment to the reception act)
Iikka Saunamäki, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 267, iikka.saunamaki@govsec.fi (Finnish Immigration Service fees)
Roope Jokinen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488362, roope.jokinen@govsec.fi (voluntary return)
Tanja Ulvinen, Chief Specialist, tel. 0295 488 696, tanja.ulvinen@govsec.fi (Emergency Services Academy and Emergency Response Centre Agency fees)