Finland tightens citizenship law

The four-party alliance government led by the Kansallinen Kokoomus (National Coalition Party-NCP) has tightened the immigration policy of Finland.

The parliament on Monday passed the government proposal to bring legislative amendments extending the period of residence required for Finnish citizenship to eight years from the existing five years.

In addition, only time lived in Finland under a residence permit will be taken into account when calculating the period of residence.

The amendments also prohibit asylum applicants from switching to a work-based or education-based application procedure in order to apply for a residence permit.

The new law tightened the identity verification procedure.

The amendments will enter into force on October 1, 2024.

Earlier on June 16, 2023, leaders of the ruling parties announced the programme, which included tougher immigration, residence and citizenship laws.

The government tightened the immigration policy despite strong protest by different groups.

Separate demonstrations were held in Helsinki on June 27, 2023 and June 18,2023 protesting against the immigration policy taken by the government.

Several hundreds of people went on demonstrations in Helsinki in August, 2023 protesting against the move.