The Finnish Ministry of Interior is considering implementing stricter conditions for family reunions, authorized by the EU Family Reunification Directive.
One of the proposed changes is to require the sponsoring spouse to be at least 21 years old, according to SchengenVisaInfo.com. Additionally, sponsors who are minors and have obtained international protection will need to demonstrate sufficient funds for their family members, and have a minimum period of residence in Finland.
The Ministry’s project aims to explore the possibility of limiting the definition of family for reunification purposes to only include children and spouses in all cases, as outlined in the Government Programme.
Currently, individuals who can apply for family reunification in Finland include the international spouse of a Finnish citizen, a family member of a foreigner working or studying in Finland, or a family member who has received international protection from Finland.
The new rules are based on the EU Family Reunification Directive, which sets minimum conditions for the right to family reunification by third-country nationals residing lawfully within Member States.
Despite an increase in visa applications for work, studies, and family reunification in Finland, the country saw a decrease in asylum requests last year. The majority of asylum seekers were citizens of Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Iran.
In addition, Finland experienced a surge in citizenship applications, with more people applying for Finnish citizenship compared to previous years.
Overall, the Finnish Ministry of Interior’s plans to impose stricter conditions for family reunions reflect the country’s efforts to align with EU regulations while managing immigration and family reunification effectively.
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