Finland to Limit Number of Visas Granted to Russians by 90% Starting From September

The decision was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland, Pekka Haavisto, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.

Haavisto said that the government of Finland has decided to limit the number of applications made by Russian citizens by 90 per cent starting from September. This means that as soon as the decision officially enters into force, the country will accept only around ten per cent of the visa applications made by Russians.

YLE News explains that the Finnish government met at the House of Estates in Helsinki on Tuesday, August 16, to discuss visas for Russians.

Currently, Finland accepts around 1,000 visa applications from Russians each day. However, in line with the new rules, it is expected that only around 100 visas will be issued each day from next month.

Furthermore, YLE News notes that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had prepared a model which aims to give priority to those applying for family, work, and study purposes.

After the cabinet meeting, Haavisto told reporters that there are longer-term issues, but they will be sorted out.

Earlier this month, the Finnish authorities proposed that the country restricts the entry of Russians into Finland as they are using it as a transit country to reach other EU destinations. Such a request was made after the number of border crossings from Russia to Finland increased by 40 per cent when Russia lifted its Coronavirus restrictions.

Apart from Russians using Finland as a transit country, they have also started buying properties. The number of Russians buying properties in Finland is soaring amid the visa banning threats. Data show that from January until July 2022, a total of 212 real estate transactions were made by Russians.

This represents a significant increase compared to last year when 222 properties in Finland were purchased by Russians.

Similar to Finland, Denmark is also planning to limit visa issuance for citizens of Russia. Local media of Denmark have said that the government want to reduce the number of visas issued to Russians in view of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Commenting on the matter, the Minister for Integration of Denmark, Kore Dyubvad, said that this issue required a joint-European solution. Additionally, he pointed out that the Danish government is open to discussing all sorts of proposals regarding sanctions on Russia.