Finland One Step Closer to Tighten Rules for Family Reunification

The Finnish Interior Minister wants to tighten rules for family reunification residence permits by submitting a proposal, which is currently being revised.

According to a press release by the Ministry of Interior, the requirements for third-country nationals applying for a residence permit for family reunification purposes will be more stringent, introducing an age requirement for those that can apply for such visa, Schengen.News reports.

The new rules, if the proposal receives sufficient support, will enter into force on May 1, 2025.

The new rules proposed by the Interior Ministry plan to make it more difficult for children who have been granted international protection to apply for family reunification. In these cases, it is possible for an amount threshold to be applied.

In addition, the period of residence will be prolonged and will be applicable to sponsors that are under international protection. Sponsors under this category have to stay in the country for two years before they can bring their family members.

According to a population forecast published by MDI, in 2021, there were 30,000 immigrants that reached Finland, with this number increasing to 70,000 in the following years.

With this pace, Finland’s population is to reach six million by 2040, despite the country recording the lowest birth rate data in the last few years. This indicates that thanks to immigration, Finland’s population might recover.

Finland is also known for being one of the happiest countries in the world. According to the World Happiness Report, Finland ranks first, with the main factors for determining this result being GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, generosity, and freedom.

Source: https://schengen.news/finland-one-step-closer-to-tighten-rules-for-family-reunification/