UNHCR’s Representation for the Nordic and Baltic Countries has submitted its observations on the Proposal to amend the Finnish Aliens Act (the Government’s proposal to the parliament to amend the Aliens Act).
The Proposal aims at making international protection temporary in nature by shortening the length of residence permits granted on protection grounds. In addition, the international protection needs will be reviewed on additional grounds upon renewal of their residence permits. UNHCR regrets that these proposed amendments restrict current good practices in Finland.
Moreover, the Proposal seeks to expand the grounds for exclusion and cessation of protection status for refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection. In UNHCR’s view, these changes are not in line with the 1951 Convention and should not be introduced. UNHCR is concerned that the different concepts relating to the ending of protection and protection that should not be granted in the first place are conflated in the Proposal.
UNHCR recommends that the Government issues residence permits for longer periods, with a minimum duration of five years, to those recognized as beneficiaries of international protection to support early and effective integration. UNHCR also recommends refraining from introducing regular reviews of the protection needs of refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection.
UNHCR’s observations can be found here.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
