Finland has recently introduced a significant change in its immigration policy concerning the issuance of temporary protection and new residence permits. This policy shift directly impacts nationals of third countries and stateless individuals who had fled Ukraine while residing there with a temporary residence permit , at the start of Russia’s inversion. This change in approach became effective as of September 7, 2023.
- Those Affected: The primary focus of this policy change is on individuals who found refuge in Ukraine under the umbrella of a temporary residence permit but are not Ukrainian citizens. This group includes stateless persons and nationals of third countries. The change in policy means that those who fall into this category will no longer be eligible for temporary protection in Finland. This is a crucial development for a subset of people who had sought safety in Ukraine and were subsequently attempting to secure residence permits in Finland based on this temporary protection status.
- Those Not Affected: Conversely, it’s vital to emphasize that Finnish authorities have carefully delineated exceptions to this policy shift. Ukrainian citizens and their family members remain unaffected by this change, ensuring that they can continue their path to residence permits or temporary protection. Furthermore, individuals who have already been granted international protection within Ukraine, as well as those holding permanent residence permits in Ukraine who cannot safely return to their home countries, are also exempt from this policy change. This prudent approach helps maintain safeguards for these groups who have faced difficult circumstances.
Notable Comment:
The Finnish Immigration Service’s official statement emphasizes that this adjustment does not impact Ukrainian citizens and their family members. Furthermore, it does not affect individuals who have received international protection in Ukraine and their family members, nor does it affect those who held permanent residence permits in Ukraine and were unable to safely return to their home countries.
“As of 7 September 2023, Finland will not issue residence permits on the basis of temporary protection to third-country nationals and stateless persons who have resided in Ukraine on the basis of a temporary residence permit,”
“The decision applies to people who arrive in Finland after the entry into force of the decision or who have arrived in Finland earlier but have not notified the authorities of their need for temporary protection before the entry into force of the decision,” the official statement reads.
Residence permits issued by Finland on the basis of temporary protection before this policy change will remain valid until March 4, 2024.
New Requirements for Protection
For individuals seeking temporary protection from this point forward, they will be required to demonstrate family ties to Ukrainian citizens, proof of international protection granted in Ukraine, or possession of a permanent residence permit issued by Ukraine.
These documents could include marriage certificates, birth certificates, refugee certificates issued by Ukrainian authorities, or Ukrainian permanent residence permits.
It’s worth noting that the Netherlands has also made a similar decision, discontinuing temporary protection for third-country nationals who fled Ukraine, impacting around 2,900 individuals. More information can be found here.
Predicting the Global Trend
As nations adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of global migration and asylum-seeking, this policy change by Finland reflects a broader trend. Many countries are reassessing their asylum and protection policies, responding to both domestic concerns and international obligations.
The move signifies a more stringent approach to granting temporary protection and residence permits, particularly for those who had sought shelter in Ukraine. As such, it is likely that other nations may follow suit with similar adjustments to their immigration policies, potentially affecting individuals seeking refuge worldwide.
This shift underscores the need for a comprehensive and compassionate approach to international protection in an era marked by increased displacement and migration.
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