Legislative amendments related to the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum circulated for comment

The Ministry of the Interior has circulated for comment the draft government proposal on the national legislative amendments that relate to the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The deadline for comments is 2 February 2026.

The new Pact on Migration and Asylum is an extensive package that increases the efficiency of the control of the EU’s external borders, the identification of third-country nationals and the asylum and return processes. 

The legislative acts allow some discretion in national law, which is why the draft proposal also suggests new national legislation and amendments to existing acts. In exercising this discretion, account has been taken of the Pact’s general objectives for the common European system as well as the targets outlined in the Government Programme.

“The EU immigration and asylum policy must be able to sustainably address the challenges brought about by immigration. The Pact implemented now will increase the efficiency of the asylum process and returns,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

Screening of asylum seekers strengthens the protection of the EU

A key new element is the screening procedure, which improves the protection of the EU. Screening would determine the relevant information relating to entry so that the person could be either made subject to the asylum procedure or returned to the country of origin. Screening would apply to third-country nationals who have, for example, crossed the external border without authorisation or who have been staying in Finland illegally. The procedure would take 3–7 days.

Lists of safe countries facilitate the examination of applications

Regarding safe countries, the main change is that, within the EU, common lists can be compiled of safe countries of origin and safe third countries. The EU is currently conducting negotiations on a common list of safe countries of origin.

Furthermore, Member States may also prepare their own lists of safe countries, which ensures that the procedure is effective while preventing abuse. Finland’s applicant profile may differ from the general EU applicant profile, which is why national solutions and lists may be necessary. The countries deemed safe in Finland would be decided by Ministry of the Interior decree, which would be based on Country of Origin Information assessed by the Finnish Immigration Service.

Reception services to be limited

In principle, reception services would be provided to third-country nationals and stateless persons only when they for the first time apply for asylum or receive temporary protection. Furthermore, the duration of reception services would also be limited from the prior duration.

On a case-by-case basis, the basic component of reception allowance could be reduced by 20 per cent if the person, for example, breaches the regulations of a reception centre or refuses to cooperate with authorities. In certain situations, reception services could also be cancelled, whereupon the person’s livelihood would be ensured by commodities.

In future, people in receipt of reception services would have to identify themselves 2–4 times a month at a reception centre. An asylum seeker’s stay could be targeted to a particular geographical area. Furthermore, asylum seekers’ freedom of movement could be restricted on the ground of public order or flight risk in such a way that they would be obliged to take up accommodation in a particular reception centre and to report themselves periodically.

Legislative amendments due to enter into force in June

The national implementation of the Pact and related preparation are supported from EU Home Affairs Funds.

The legislative acts laid down in the Pact will become applicable in the EU in summer 2026. The government proposal will be submitted to Parliament at the latest in early 2026 so that the legislative amendments can enter into force in June. Implementation also requires practical measures from all public authorities involved in Finland’s asylum and return procedures.

Inquiries:
Sanna Montin, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Legal Affairs, tel. +358 295 488 314, [email protected]
Jouni Pulkkinen, Senior Border Guard Officer, tel. +358 295 421 610, [email protected] (screening)
Tiina Järvinen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 625, [email protected] (reception services, available from 7 January)
Miira Mikonsaari, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 309, [email protected] (reception services, available from 31 December)