Finland approves tougher immigration laws, extending detention, bans on foreign nationals

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has signed new amendments to the country's immigration laws, significantly increasing the duration of detention for foreign nationals and introducing extended entry bans. 

Under the amended law, individuals who are not citizens of the European Union, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland may now face an entry ban to Finland for up to 15 years, up from the previous maximum of five years. This change marks a notable tightening of Finland's immigration policies, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

The Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the purpose of these amendments is to speed up the deportation process for individuals residing illegally in the country, enhance public order, improve national security, and address emerging security threats. In addition to extending entry bans, the new law also allows for foreign nationals to be detained in closed centers if authorities suspect they may attempt to evade deportation.

The maximum period of detention in these centers has been extended from one year to one and a half years. In cases where an individual is deemed to pose a threat to national security or public order, the detention period can be extended from six months to a year before a final deportation decision is made. 

For minors, the law allows the detention period to be extended from three months to six months if the deportation of their guardian is delayed due to missing documentation or lack of cooperation. The new amendments also preserve the possibility of imposing an indefinite entry ban. The revised immigration law will come into effect on May 6, 2025.

By Naila Huseynova