IMMIGRATION ALERTS

Finland changes asylum decision service rules from July 2026. Decisions served on counsel; applicants receive outcome notification. Unaccompanied children included.

Finland has rejected 1,400 seasonal work visa applications for berry pickers – an 87% refusal rate. Employer non-compliance and labour exploitation concerns are the primary reasons. Most applications were processed through the Bangkok embassy.

The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) has resumed full decision-making on all international protection applications submitted by Iranian nationals, effective July 1, 2026. The move ends a temporary suspension that began in February 2026 due to the uncertain security situation in Iran.

Finland has rolled out a new intelligence system (MIS) for enhanced security screening of arrivals under the EU Migration Pact, led by SUPO with a €2.55M budget. Stricter reception centre rules apply: asylum seekers must identify 2-4 times monthly, temporary protection beneficiaries once monthly, and mandatory Finnish society course – non-compliance can reduce allowance by 20%.

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Finland tightens scrutiny on wild berry pickers’ visa applications in 2026. Migri now conducts rigorous background checks on all seasonal work permits, targeting labour exploitation and human trafficking. Employers found violating rules face 3–12 month bans.

Complete guide to the Finland Seasonal Work Visa 2026. Covers eligibility, application process, salaries (including berry picker earnings), worker rights, and 2026 anti-exploitation updates. Maximum stay 9 months. Perfect for agriculture, berry picking, tourism, and forestry workers.

Finland updates seasonal work permit rules 2026: visa/certificate for ≤90 days, residence permit for 3‑9 months. Labour market testing for 6‑9 months. Apply via Enter Finland.

Finland cuts Kela benefits for residents without valid residence permits starting April 1, 2026 – major crackdown on undocumented migrants. Unemployment, housing, child benefits affected.

Finland confirms full ban on non-biometric Russian passports from June 1, 2026, aligning with EU security standards.

The VINCE app migrant integration 2026 initiative launched February 20 in Finland and Sweden, offering AI-powered multilingual guidance on housing, healthcare, employment rights, and daily life — co-designed with migrants to tackle information barriers and speed up settlement across Europe.

Finland raises the bar for PR: Now 6 years + B1 language + 2 years work. New rules effective January 8, 2026. Four-year fast track still available for high earners and master's graduates. Full breakdown inside

Finland has enacted a series of significant reforms to its immigration system throughout 2025. The changes represent a dual approach: tightening requirements for work permits, asylum, and family reunification while simultaneously creating pathways for students and skilled workers to address labor shortages.

Starting in 2025, Finland is introducing stricter employer notification requirements for companies hiring non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. These changes, enforced by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), replace previous guidelines with legally binding obligations. Under the new rules, employers must declare when they hire or dismiss non-EU employees within specified periods; violations could trigger sanctions.

As of June 11, 2025, the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) has introduced significant changes to the regulations governing work-based residence permits, affecting both employers and foreign employees.

Under the new policy, effective June 11, 2025, holders of work-based residence permits will no longer be restricted to the specific profession or employer listed on their permit. Instead, they can seek employment in sectors identified as facing labor shortages without the administrative burden of applying for a new residence permit, provided their current permit remains valid.

Finland’s new 3-Month Unemployment Rule, effective from June 2025, mandates that foreign workers holding work-based residence permits must secure new employment within three months of job loss or face potential deportation .

Finland is pioneering a more efficient asylum process with the launch of its dedicated Return Centre in June 2025. Operated by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), this pilot project targets faster voluntary and forced returns for individuals denied residency.

On 6 May 2025, significant amendments to Finland’s Aliens Act came into force, introducing stricter rules on entry bans, residence permit withdrawals, and a new obligation to cooperate with authorities

Securing a Finland Study Residence Permit is critical for international students aiming to start their studies in autumn 2025. This mobile-optimized guide breaks down eligibility, embassy deadlines, document rules, and pro tips to streamline your application.