Government submits several proposals to Parliament concerning migration
On 16 April 2026, the Government submitted proposals to Parliament on implementing the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, reforming regulation on removal from the country and introducing a citizenship test.
Government submits proposal implementing EU Pact on Migration and Asylum
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 Pact consists of ten legislative acts that allow for some discretion in national law. In exercising this 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,” said Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.
Government submits proposal implementing EU Pact on Migration and Asylum | press release
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.
“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,” Minister of the Interior Rantanen said.
Government proposes introducing citizenship test
Finland plans to introduce a citizenship test to assess applicants’ knowledge of how Finnish society works and its key principles. The citizenship test would be introduced after the required legislative amendments have entered into force at the beginning of 2027.
“Finnish citizenship does not come automatically. These reforms encourage integration, employment and respect for the rules of Finnish society,” said Minister Rantanen.
Government proposes to introduce citizenship test | press release