UNHCR’s Representation for the Nordic and Baltic Countries has submitted its observation on the Proposal to amend the Finnish Aliens Act (family reunification) (Hallituksen esitys eduskunnalle ulkomaalaislain muuttamisesta (peheenyhdistäminen)).
The Proposal aims at tightening the conditions for family reunification. The Proposal introduces several restrictions to the possibility to obtain a residence permit in Finland based on family reunification, including introducing a minimum residence period, a minimum age requirement for spouses as well as maintenance requirements for family members of underage sponsors.
UNHCR is concerned that the current Proposal introduces a reduced set of standards and safeguards as compared to the solid legal protection framework which Finland has developed and administered over decades. UNHCR emphasizes that family reunification is essential for refugees’ wellbeing, integration, and safety.
UNHCR recommends that Finland ensures equal access to family reunification for all forcibly displaced persons, including refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, and those under temporary protection. In addition, UNHCR recommends Finland to refrain from using the provision of minimum age requirement as a blanket refusal of family reunification and highlights the importance of applying such a provision with caution. UNHCR also advises against imposing maintenance requirements for children in need of international protection. Furthermore, UNHCR advises against introducing a minimum residence period, as it may hamper the goal of facilitating integration. Lastly, UNHCR recommends expanding the definition of underage persons to include all beneficiaries of international protection.
UNHCR’s observations can be found here.
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