Finland and Iraq stepping up cooperation to return Iraqi asylum seekers

Positive discussions are ongoing between Finland and Iraq concerning the return of Iraqis whose application for asylum in Finland has been refused or who have cancelled their application. Both countries would like to step up cooperation on voluntary return, in particular.

Finland has two goals in these discussions: firstly, to ensure as smooth and effective administrative return procedure as possible for those returning to Iraq voluntarily; and secondly, in the future, to also enable the return of those who are removed from Finland but do not want to return to Iraq voluntarily.

These goals were discussed last week when the delegation of officials from the Iraqi ministry responsible for migration affairs visited Finland. The delegation met officials of the Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Employment and the Economy, Finnish Immigration Service and the Police. The discussions covered a number of topics related to migration.

The Finnish and Iraqi authorities are planning to continue their discussions later this spring, when the Finnish delegation is to visit Iraq.

Inquiries

Mr Eero Koskenniemi, Senior Adviser for Legal Affairs, tel. +358 295 488 616, [email protected]