Government proposal implementing EU Pact on Migration and Asylum submitted to Parliament

The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum establishes a common EU system to strengthen external border control, ensure effective identification of third-country nationals and enhance procedures for asylum and return. The Pact will be implemented in Finland through a series of national legislative amendments. The Government submitted a proposal on these amendments to Parliament on 16 April.

The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum consists of ten legislative acts and allows for some discretion in national law. For this reason, the government proposal also outlines new national legislation and amendments to existing acts. In exercising discretion, the Government has taken into account both the Pact’s general objectives of strengthening the common EU system and the entries related to tightening asylum policy in the Government Programme.

“We are proposing regulation to ensure quick and effective procedures that will prevent abuse of the asylum system. At the same time, our aim is to improve the management of entry and ensure that persons whose applications have been rejected either leave or are removed from the country promptly,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

Screening of asylum seekers to strengthen protection of the EU

A key new element in the Pact is the screening procedure, which aims to improve the protection of the EU. The screening procedure would verify the identity of persons seeking to enter the EU, assess any risks they may pose to security and public health and refer them effectively to the relevant procedure: asylum or return to their country of origin. The procedure would apply to third-country nationals who have, for example, crossed the external border without authorisation or who have been staying in Finland illegally. The screening would take 3–7 days.

Screening at the external border would be handled by the Border Guard and Customs, while screening in inland areas would be done by the police. The Security Intelligence Service would also be involved in the screening procedure.

Lists of safe countries to facilitate processing of applications

The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum provides a legal framework for transferring the asylum process to a safe country outside the EU. At present, an asylum seeker can be transferred to a third country considered safe if the person has a previous connection to that country. In future, transfer to a third country would also be possible if the applicant has travelled to the EU via the country in question or if an agreement on the transfer of the asylum process has been made with that country. 

To streamline the processing of applications, the EU could prepare common lists of safe countries of origin and safe third countries. Member States could also draw up their own lists. With the proposal now submitted to Parliament, the Government could, if necessary, issue national lists of safe countries by decree. National solutions could be necessary in cases where Finland’s applicant profile differs from the overall situation in the EU, for example.

New restrictions on reception services

In principle, reception services would be provided to third-country nationals and stateless persons only when they apply for asylum for the first time or receive temporary protection. Reception services would also be provided for a shorter period than at present.

On a case-by-case basis, the basic component of reception allowance could be reduced by 20 per cent if the recipient refuses to comply with the obligations imposed on them. In certain situations, reception services could also be withdrawn, in which case the person’s livelihood would be ensured by commodities.

In future, beneficiaries of temporary protection would have to identify themselves at reception centres once a month, while asylum seekers would have to do so 2–4 times per month. An asylum seeker’s stay could also be restricted to a particular geographical area. As a new measure, an asylum seeker’s freedom of movement could be restricted on grounds of public order or procedural considerations if there is a risk of absconding. In such cases, the person would be obliged to take up accommodation in a particular reception centre and to report there at regular intervals. This would be possible in addition to detention, which is currently available as a preventive measure.

Legislative amendments due to enter into force in June

The national implementation of the Pact and the related preparations are being supported with EU Home Affairs Funds. 

The legislative acts laid down in the Pact will become applicable in the EU in June 2026, and the amendments to Finnish legislation are due to enter into force at the same time. The implementation of the Pact will also require practical measures from all public authorities involved in Finland’s asylum and return procedures.

Inquiries:
Sanna Montin, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Legal Affairs, tel. +358 295 488 314, [email protected]
Jouni Pulkkinen, Senior Border Guard Officer, tel. +358 295 421 610, [email protected] (screening)
Tiina Järvinen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 625, [email protected] (reception services)