Govt proposes tougher rules on deportation, detention, entry ban

The four-party alliance government led by Kansallinen Kokoomus (National Coalition Party-NCP) proposed that the provisions of the Aliens Act on detention be tightened and the provisions on entry bans be reformed.

The government on Thursday submitted a proposal on the amendments to Parliament, said Ministry of the Interior in a press release.

The proposed new law would provide for the possibility of withdrawing a residence permit from an alien staying outside Finland and imposing an entry ban for security reasons.

According to the proposal, the maximum duration of detention would be extended from 12 months to 18 months in situations related to removal from the country.

The Act would provide for the possibility of extending detention from six months to 12 months even before the removal decision is made. if the person was considered a danger to public order and security or to national security.

In addition, the possibility of detaining a person to protect public order would be added to the Act.

The Act would provide for a more effective imposition of entry bans in cases where no time limit has been set for voluntary return or the person has not left the country voluntarily within the fixed time limit.

In future, a temporary entry ban could be imposed on a third-country national for up to 15 years.

A residence permit could be withdrawn from an alien staying outside Finland and an entry ban be imposed on the alien due to the person being a danger to public order and security or to national security without hearing the person in Finland.

The Act is intended to enter into force as soon as possible.