Finnish Immigration Service service point in Malmi, Helsinki, on September 23, 2024. LEHTIKUVA
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The Finnish Immigration Service has reported significant improvements in its migration process, with faster processing times for residence permits and increased post-decision monitoring. These advancements align with Finland’s government objectives for streamlined and controlled migration.
As of 2024, first-time work-based residence permit applications are processed in an average of 23 days, a major reduction from the 55-day wait in 2023.
Specialists, defined as individuals with high expertise and a monthly income of at least €3,600, can now receive permits in just 9 days. Study-based residence permits are issued within 8 days, down from an average of 36 days last year.
“Improving processing speed doesn’t mean compromising on security. We’ve strengthened cooperation with other authorities to ensure that risk factors are identified during the process,” said Director General Ilkka Haahtela.
Automated Post-Decision Monitoring Boosts Compliance
A year after launching automation-supported post-decision monitoring, the Finnish Immigration Service has withdrawn 1,200 residence permits in cases where conditions were not met. The system checks if permit holders, including students and specialists, continue to fulfill their permit requirements, such as study progress or income levels.
“Automation has enabled a broader and more efficient monitoring system, particularly for categories with higher risk for labor exploitation,” said Haahtela. This automated system, introduced in 2023, has since processed nearly 9,400 permits and selected 2,359 for closer examination.
The Finnish Immigration Service plans further expansions to automated monitoring next year, targeting work-based permits to ensure consistent compliance with permit requirements.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
