Have you been feeling a bit lost in the maze of recent Finnish migration and integration policy changes? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! To shed some light on the new landscape, Think Africa hosted an informative session on August 12th on Finnish Government Policy Changes in Migration and Integration Policies. Let’s break down the key points from this event.
Changes to the Citizenship Act
The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of the Interior outlined some significant changes to the Citizenship Act that will take effect on October 1, 2024:
- Extended Residence Requirement: You’ll now need to live in Finland for eight years before you can apply for citizenship, up from the previous five. However, there are exceptions. If you meet the language requirements by five years, you will still be eligible to apply after five years.
- New Application Rules: There will be some tweaks to the citizenship application process. If you’re planning to apply after October 1st, make sure to stay updated on the new rules.
- Dual Citizenship Study: The government is studying dual citizenship but has no plans to change the existing requirements.
Find the presentation shared by the Ministry of Interior here.
On the photo: Hanna Pihkanen from Ministry of Interior.
Reforms to the Integration Act
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment discussed the upcoming changes to the Integration Act. Starting next year, municipalities will take the lead on employment and integration services. This means more coordination between different government agencies and a focus on providing personalized support to those who need it most, including unaccompanied minors and victims of trafficking.
Key Topics and Concerns
The session also covered a range of other topics, including:
- Integration Training and Services: Municipalities will be offering individualized integration plans and orientation courses.
- Challenges for Immigrant People: The session addressed the unique challenges faced by immigrant people and discussed potential solutions.
- Positive Integration Campaigns: Speakers emphasized the importance of promoting positive attitudes toward immigrants through media campaigns.
- Role of Civil Society Organizations: Collaboration between the government and civil society organizations is crucial for effective integration.
Find the presentation shared by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment here.
Participants raised various questions and concerns, including:
- The impact of policy changes on frequent travellers and Ukrainians under international protection.
- Clarifications on citizenship requirements for students and the possibility of reducing the required time.
- Concerns about dual citizenship and language requirements.
- Questions about the integration process and the role of educational institutions.
To conclude, the session provided a valuable overview of the upcoming changes in Finnish migration and integration policies. It’s clear that the government is working to improve the integration process, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
As these policies continue to evolve, it’s important to stay informed. Follow Think Africa for updates on future events and information sessions. Together, we can build a more inclusive and welcoming Finland for all. Interested in receiving information about the next sessions? Drop your email here and you will be hearing from us -> https://forms.gle/4fZWveE79gx3h5JN7
