Govt moves to tighten criteria for immigrants´ family reunification

The four-party alliance government led by Kansallinen Kokoomus (National Coalition Party-NCP) on Thursday submitted a proposal to Parliament with the view to tighten conditions for family reunification of the immigrants.

The proposal for tightening the conditions for family reunification has been made in line with the government Programme, said the Ministry of the Interior in a press release.

According to the proposal, if a residence permit is granted to a spouse on the basis of family ties, both spouses would need to be of a minimum age of 21 years.

However, the minimum age requirement would not apply to a Finnish citizen whose spouse applies for a residence permit.

The government also proposed that, with certain exceptions, the Finnish Aliens Act should reintroduce a requirement for sufficient financial resources as a condition for granting a residence permit to a family member of a minor who has been given international protection.

A requirement for a minimum period of residence would be introduced, with certain exceptions, for sponsors who have been granted international protection.

Beneficiaries of international protection would have to stay in Finland for two years before their family members could apply for family reunification.

These legislative amendments aim to oblige immigrants to take more responsibility for their integration.

They also seek to put an end to practices that are harmful to society and individuals, such as the use of children as a means of entry to the country, forced marriages and marriages of convenience, said the ministry, adding that the amendments would therefore improve Finland's internal security.

Family reunification refers to a residence permit granted to a foreign national on the basis of family ties.

A sponsor can be a foreign national or a Finnish citizen. A foreign spouse of a Finnish citizen, a family member of a foreign national working or studying in Finland, or a family member of a person who has been granted international protection in Finland may apply for family reunification.

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.