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8.7.2021 | On 2 June, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a regulation to reform the Schengen evaluation and monitoring mechanism. The Government expressed its position on the proposal in its communications submitted to Parliament on 8 July.

29.12.2022 | A temporary amendment to the Aliens Act will ensure the validity of residence permits issued in Finland to beneficiaries of temporary protection for as long as the temporary protection is in effect in the EU. A person's first residence permit will be issued directly for the entire period of validity of the temporary protection. Moreover, those who have already received residence permits will not need to apply for an extension separately.

11.6.2020 | On 11 June 2020, the Government adopted a strategy and an action plan for tackling the grey economy and economic crime for 2020–2023. The tackling of the grey economy will focus on prevention, more effective access to information and cooperation between authorities.

7.9.2022 | Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson will visit Finland on 8–9 September. During her visit, she will learn about the Finnish reception system and border control at the eastern border of the EU.

17.11.2022 | The Government proposes an amendment to the Aliens Act to enable clients of the Finnish Immigration Service to request an administrative review of decisions concerning residence permits for specialists and the EU Blue Card. The proposal aims to allow the Service to make automated decisions on these case types. The Government submitted its proposal to Parliament on 17 November.

19.9.2022 | The Government proposes amendments to the emergency response centre legislation to update the provisions on the processing of personal data in centre operations to comply with the EU data protection legislation.

5.5.2021 | In line with the Government Programme, the Action Plan for the Prevention of Irregular Entry and Stay has been updated for the period 2021–2024. The purpose of the Action Plan is to tackle comprehensively irregular entry and stay, cross-border crime and the emergence of a parallel society outside the Finnish society.

2.9.2021 | The recruitment procedure for civilian crisis management experts to be sent abroad will be developed. The Government submitted a legislative proposal on the matter to Parliament on 2 September. The aim is for Finland to have at its disposal a sufficiently large, diverse and competent group of experts for civilian crisis management tasks. Attention will also be given to the impact of civilian crisis management work on the human resources of public sector employers.  

9.4.2021 | The Ministry of the Interior sent out for comments a draft act on the treatment of persons in police custody and certain related acts. The purpose of this legislative reform is to update the provisions on custody-related rights, obligations and restrictions on fundamental rights of those deprived of their liberty, the powers of personnel performing guard duties and the obligations of the authorities.

24.11.2022 | EU home affairs ministers will gather in Brussels on Friday 25 November for an extraordinary meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council. The ministers will discuss migration to the EU, taking stock of the urgent challenges and joint way forward. Minister of the Interior Krista Mikkonen will represent Finland at the meeting.

15.7.2020 | The Ministry of the Interior is preparing an amendment to the Aliens Act with the aim of ending the application of the requirement for sufficient financial resources for minor sponsors, who have been granted a residence permit based on international protection. In this context, the idea is to clarify what are the effects of the requirement for sufficient financial resources on the protection of fam...

22.9.2022 | The Government proposes several amendments to the Rescue Act and the Act on the Emergency Services Academy. For example, it is proposed that the obligation to purchase and maintain smoke detectors in apartments be transferred from residents to building owners.

1.11.2021 | A total of 17 projects will receive funding from the last call for proposals of the programming period 2014–2020, organised in May under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF). EU funding to be granted for the projects will amount to approximately EUR 7.5 million. The funded projects will develop the asylum system and promote receptiveness in society, capacity building for legal migration and the implementation of the return system and Finland’s quota refugee programme. 

5.11.2020 | On 5 November, the Government submitted to Parliament a draft government proposal to amend the Identity Card Act. The Identity Card Act will be updated as a result of the EU Regulation on identity cards. A provision on fingerprinting supplementing the Regulation would be added to the Identity Card Act.

16.2.2021 | A study commissioned by the Government investigated the combined impacts of the amendments made to the Aliens Act in 2015–2019 on the status of people applying for and receiving international protection and on the realisation of the best interests of the child. The decision to carry out the study was based on an objective set in the Government Programme, which states that the Government will investig...

17.6.2021 | The Finnish Immigration Service has introduced a new function in the service system to make it easier for seasonal workers to change employers while they are in Finland. The relevant amendment to the Decree of the Ministry of the Interior on Chargeable Services of the Finnish Immigration Service is based on an amendment to the Seasonal Workers Act. Both the amendment to the Seasonal Workers Act and the amendment to the Decree will enter into force on 17 June 2021.

23.1.2023 | A study commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior explored ways to anticipate future needs for amendments when drafting legislation. To this end, the study looked into the amendments made to the Aliens Act and the motivations behind them. The study was carried out by Åbo Akademi University in cooperation with researchers from the University of Turku.

8.4.2022 | The Ministry of the Interior has sent out for comments a draft proposal for amending the Rescue Act and the Act on the Emergency Services Academy. Comments on the draft will be accepted until 20 May 2022.

27.9.2022 | The Ministry of the Interior has sent out for comments a draft of a temporary amendment to the Aliens Act that would ensure the validity of residence permits issued in Finland to recipients of temporary protection for as long as the temporary protection is in effect in the EU. With the amendment, first residence permits would be issued directly for the entire period of validity of the temporary protection.

3.11.2022 | A temporary amendment to the Aliens Act would ensure the validity of residence permits issued in Finland to recipients of temporary protection for as longs as the temporary protection is in effect in the EU. With the amendment, first residence permits would be issued directly for the entire period of validity of the temporary protection. Moreover, those who have already received residence permits would not need to apply for an extension separately.

20.12.2022 | Amendments to the Aliens Act will extend the use of a long-term visa known as a D visa. The amendments will contribute to promoting education-based and labour-based immigration and streamline entry procedures. The President of the Republic approved the amendments on 20 December.

29.6.2021 | A provision on fingerprinting that supplements the relevant EU Regulation will be added to the Identity Card Act. In future, fingerprints will be taken from any person applying for an identity card, except for a person under the age of 12 or from a person in respect of whom fingerprinting is physically impossible, for example. The President of the Republic approved the amendment on 29 June. The Act will enter into force on 2 August 2021.

22.1.2021 | On 22 January, the Government decided at an extraordinary meeting to tighten border traffic and the recommendations on testing and quarantine.

12.6.2020 | RESOLUTION 11 June 2020 GOVERNMENT RESOLUTION ON A STRATEGY AND AN ACTION PLAN FOR TACKLING THE GREY ECONOMY AND ECONOMIC CRIME FOR 2020–2023 2 GOVERNMENT RESOLUTION ON A STRATEGY FOR TACKLING THE GREY ECONOMY AND ECONOMIC CRIME FOR 2020–2023 The ...

19.1.2023 | In November and December, E2 Research conducted a review of what Ukrainians who have fled to Finland think about their life and what kind of plans they have. This was done to deepen and update the information obtained from the report compiled by the Ministry of the Interior in the summer.

24.3.2022 | The Ministry of the Interior has sent out for comments a draft proposal on amendments to the emergency response centre legislation. The legislative amendments concern the Act on Emergency Response Centre Operations and related acts. Comments on the draft will be accepted until 13 May 2022.

12.11.2020 | The European Commission issued a comprehensive communication on the reform of migration and asylum policy on 23 September. The communication was accompanied by five legislative proposals. The Government expressed its position on the Commission's proposals in its communications submitted to Parliament on 12 November.

4.3.2021 | On 4 March 2021, the Ministry of the Interior submitted a reply to a letter sent to Finland by the European Commission on 22 February 2021. The letter concerned restrictions imposed by Finland on the free movement of EU citizens in order to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commission sent similar letters to Belgium, Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Hungary. 

28.9.2021 | The Non-Discrimination Ombudsman investigated the residence permit practice relating to victims of human trafficking. One of the key questions of the study commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment was how the vulnerability of victims of human trafficking has been assessed. According to the study, the assessment was diverse, but varying. Hu...

22.1.2021 | On 22 January, the Government decided to tighten the restrictions on entry into Finland. The new restrictions will enter into force on 27 January and will remain in force until 25 February. The new restrictions aim to reduce cross-border traffic in order to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 variants. The epidemiological situation in Finland differs considerably from that in other Schengen countries.

11.2.2021 | Employers should support an employee who is subject to online targeting and shaming on social media or otherwise because of his or her duties. In addition, the police must ensure uniform practices in the investigation of online targeting and shaming. This will improve the position of the victim and safeguard legal protection, says the Ministry of the Interior's working group.

17.1.2018 | The working group preparing the reform of Finland’s fundraising legislation is proposing the enactment of a new Fundraising Act. The new act would replace the current fixed-term money collection licences that are required each time fundraising is arranged with a system of licences granted for an indefinite period, and would enable small-scale civic fundraising to be arranged without the need for an official licence.

7.5.2020 | The Government decided on 7 May to extend the temporary restrictions on border traffic in Finland until 14 June 2020. The decision follows on from the decision made by the Government on 19 March to restore border control at internal borders, close certain border crossing points and restrict traffic across external borders.

4.8.2023 | Summary: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues. As a result of the war, around four million Ukrainians have applied for temporary protection in the Member States of the European Union. Other migration to the EU is also growing. Both the number of asylum applications submitted in the EU and irregular migration to the EU are on the rise. At the moment, migration pressure is concentrated on the Central Mediterranean route from Tunisia and Libya to Italy.

16.6.2022 | Amendments to the Aliens Act would extend the use of a long-term visa known as a D visa. The amendments would contribute to promoting education-based and labour-based immigration and streamline entry procedures. The Government submitted a proposal on the amendments to Parliament on 16 June.

16.4.2020 | Different parts of Finland are reporting engagement in activities by violent extremist movements. Violent non-parliamentary far right movements are active in the areas of all police departments. In some areas, there are also reports of activities of violent non-parliamentary far left groups, mainly anarchists and anti-fascists. These conclusions are presented in the new situation overview of violent extremism.

3.12.2020 | On Friday 4 December, Minister of the Interior Maria Ohisalo will chair the ministerial meeting of the Nordic cooperation group on migration and asylum (NSHF). The meeting will be held via remote connections.

20.5.2021 | On 20 May, the Government decided to extend the restrictions on entry into the country until 15 June 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, and we do not yet have adequate measures available to replace the restrictions. For this reason, and to curb the spread of COVID-19 variants, both internal border controls and restrictions on external border traffic will continue. Minor amendments will be made to the decisions adopted on 22 April. These will enter into force on 24 May.

3.6.2021 | On 3 June, the Government decided to extend the restrictions on entry into the country until 27 June 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, and we do not yet have adequate measures available to replace the restrictions. For this reason, and to curb the spread of COVID-19 variants, both internal border controls and restrictions on external border traffic will continue. Some amendments will be made to the decisions adopted on 20 May. These will enter into force on 7 June.

22.4.2021 | On 22 April, the Government decided to extend the restrictions on entry into the country until 25 May 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, and we do not yet have adequate measures available to replace the restrictions. For this reason, and to curb the spread of COVID-19 variants, both internal border controls and restrictions on external border traffic will continue. No substantive changes were made to the decisions taken on 31 March. The decisions will enter into force on 26 April.

8.10.2020 | On 8 October, the Government adopted a decision on restrictions on entry into the country, which will enter into force on 12 October. Restrictions on entry will be reintroduced for traffic between Finland and Cyprus, Latvia and Liechtenstein. All existing restrictions on entry will continue until 10 November.

17.6.2021 | Entry into Finland from EU and Schengen countries will be allowed for those who have received an approved COVID-19 vaccination series and those who have recovered from COVID-19 less than six months ago prior to entry. Entry into the country will also be allowed for those travelling from EU and Schengen countries because of their work. The changes will enter into force on 21 June. On 17 June, the Governm...

31.3.2021 | On 31 March, the Government decided to extend the restrictions on entry into the country until 30 April 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, and we do not yet have adequate measures available to replace the restrictions. For this reason, and to curb the spread of COVID-19 variants, both internal border controls and restrictions on external border traffic will continue. No substantive changes were made to the decisions taken on 11 March. The changes will enter into force on 1 April.

1.10.2020 | On 1 October, the Government adopted a decision on restrictions on entry into the country, which will enter into force on 5 October. Restrictions on entry will be reintroduced for traffic between Finland and Lithuania, Poland and San Marino.

9.6.2022 | EU home affairs ministers will gather in Luxembourg on 10 June for a meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council. The topics on the agenda will include the reception of people fleeing Ukraine, the EU’s migration and asylum reform, and the development of Schengen. In addition, the meeting will aim to reach a general approach on the proposal of the European Commission for a Directive on informat...

10.2.2022 | The European Commission wants to enhance and modernise the exchange of information between police officers in the Member States. In December 2021, the Commission issued three proposals that would constitute an EU Police Cooperation Code: a proposal for a Directive on information exchange between law enforcement authorities of Member States, a proposal for a Council Recommendation on operational pol...

4.3.2022 | The EU has activated the Temporary Protection Directive for the first time in order to help people fleeing Ukraine. On 2 March, the Commission issued a proposal for a Council decision on activation, and the decision was adopted in terms of contents at the meeting of home affairs ministers held on 3 March. The decision is expected to enter into force on 4 March or over the next few days.

10.12.2020 | On 10 December, the Government decided to extend the restrictions on entry into the country until 12 January 2021. The COVID-19 epidemic is still clearly growing globally, and the number of infections is increasing in most countries. Although the number of new cases in Finland started to rise in the autumn after a calmer period in the summer, differences between the epidemiological situations in Finland and many other countries have recently grown sharply.

7.1.2021 | On 7 January, the Government decided to extend the restrictions on entry into the country until 9 February 2021. The COVID-19 epidemic is still clearly growing globally, and the number of infections is increasing in most countries more sharply than in Finland. It is therefore not justified to ease the restrictions until the new health security measures under preparation have been made sufficiently available.

13.5.2020 | In line with the Government’s hybrid strategy, Finland is now beginning the controlled dismantling of the restrictive measures put in place to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis. The restrictions and recommendations on border traffic will be gradually dismantled starting on 14 May at 00.00 until further notice.

11.12.2020 | EU home affairs ministers will hold an informal videoconference on 14 December 2020. Finland is represented by Minister of the Interior Maria Ohisalo. The ministers will continue the discussion on the reform of the EU's migration and asylum policy. Other items on the agenda include the future of internal security and cooperation between law enforcement authorities. No decisions will be made at the informal meeting.

31.1.2020 | The Ministry of the Interior has launched a project focused on a reform to the Lotteries Act. In line with the Government Programme, the goal is to determine any needs to reform the Lotteries Act, especially with an eye on further enhancing the prevention and reduction of the harmful effects of gambling. Moreover, legislative means to support the operating conditions of Veikkaus Oy and strengthen the exclusive right system will also be examined

12.2.2021 | The Ministry of the Interior has prepared legislative amendments to implement the EU directive on access to financial information at national level. The directive contains rules to facilitate the use of information held in bank account registries by the authorities for the purpose of preventing, detecting, investigating or prosecuting certain offences.

8.7.2021 | The Government has decided to continue internal border control until 25 July to ensure the introduction of health security measures at borders. After this short transitional period, internal border control and entry restrictions at internal borders will be lifted. Internal border traffic refers to traffic between Finland and other Schengen countries. Changes will be made to external border control as well.

19.12.2019 | The Government has issued a resolution on the national action plan 2019–2023 for the prevention of violent radicalisation and extremism. The action plan aims to reduce extremist violence and its threat to individuals, communities and society, and to promote equality, freedom of expression and other constitutional rights.

16.12.2021 | Finland’s national security has improved with the legislation on intelligence. Information gathering on threats to national security and national defence has become more effective, too, since the new intelligence powers entered into force. This is stated in a recent report on intelligence legislation, which was adopted at the government plenary session on 16 December.

18.2.2021 | On 18 February, the Government decided to extend the current restrictions on entry into the country until 18 March 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, and there are not yet adequate measures available to replace internal border controls. For this reason, and to curb the spread of COVID-19 variants, both internal and external border controls will continue until 18 March. No substantive changes will be made to the decisions taken on 11 February 2021.

5.11.2020 | On 5 November, the Government adopted a decision on restrictions on entry into the country, which will enter into force on Monday 9 November. Restrictions will be lifted for residents of Singapore who are travelling from their home country to Finland. Restrictions on entry will also be lifted for residents of the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions who are travelling from these regions to Finland, provided that reciprocity is confirmed by the Council of the European Union.

28.10.2019 | Commissioned by Minister of the Interior Maria Ohisalo, the National Police Board requested the police to give an account of its actions during a demonstration in Narinkkatori in Helsinki on 19 October. The National Police Board has now delivered the report and its own statement to the Minister. The report also covers the demonstration of 14 October and other preliminary data based on which the threat assessment was formed. On the basis of the report, the police acted appropriately.

11.2.2021 | On 11 February, the Government decided to change certain entry restrictions, which will take effect from 15 February. Because the coronavirus situation in Iceland has improved, Finland will no longer restrict entry from Iceland. In contrast, entry restrictions will again apply to residents of Rwanda arriving from Rwanda. In addition, the opening hours of certain border crossing points on the western border in Lapland and the eastern border will be limited.