Government proposes faster enforcement of deportation decisions and introduction of entry ban to be imposed in advance

On 16 April 2026, the Government submitted to Parliament a proposal to tighten the provisions concerning removal from the country and entry bans. The enforcement of deportation decisions would be expedited. In addition, an entry ban could in future be imposed in advance if a person is considered a serious danger to security.

An appeal against a deportation decision would no longer automatically postpone or prevent the enforcement of the decision. A deportation decision could be enforced 30 days after the decision was served, that is, after the time allowed for appeal has expired. 

“One of the key objectives of the Government Programme is to improve the effectiveness of returns and to strengthen national security. The aim is to ensure that persons whose applications have been rejected either leave or are removed from the country promptly. The proposed legislative amendments would expedite deportation procedures and strengthen Finland's security by introducing an entry ban that could be imposed in advance,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

The proposal applies to aliens who have a residence permit in Finland on the basis of work, studies or family ties. Provisions governing the removal of asylum seekers from the country are laid down separately.

New measure to combat security threats: entry ban to be imposed in advance

Another objective of the legislative proposal is to prevent persons who pose a serious threat to public order, public security or national security from entering the country.

In future, an entry ban could be imposed in advance on an alien staying outside Finland even if the person has no permit history in Finland. This would prevent, in advance, known terrorists or terrorists who have been sentenced abroad from entering Finland and the Schengen area.

An entry ban would be imposed by the police either on the proposal of other security authorities or on their own initiative. The entry ban would apply to the entire Schengen area.

Proposed amendments a continuation of tightened return policy

The Government has also previously made legislative amendments to expedite the enforcement of deportation decisions and to make the imposition of entry bans more effective.
A legislative amendment that entered into force in June 2025 enables faster enforcement of deportation decisions in asylum matters. In May 2025, a legislative amendment entered into force according to which an entry ban can be imposed on an alien staying outside Finland due to the person being a danger to public order and security or to national security in situations where the person already has a previous permit history in Finland.

Inquiries:
Jutta Gras, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 488 650, [email protected]
Joni Länsivuori, Chief Superintendent, tel. +358 295 488 582, [email protected]