Finland to Streamline Family Reunification Process for Minors

According to the Ministry of Interior of Finland, family members of minors who have already been granted international protection will be granted a residence permit without having to prove that they have sufficient financial resources.

The decision of the Ministry to streamline the family reunification process for minors was taken in the interests of children as well as to promote ‘the protection of family life’, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.

“When a family member of a minor who has been granted international protection applies for family reunification, the family member may be granted a residence permit without the requirement for sufficient financial resources of sponsors who are minors. This will promote the protection of family life and the realisation of the best interests of the child,” the statement of the Ministry reads.

The Ministry highlights that by making changes to this specific law, the country aims to make it possible for more minors to live with their parents. The same emphasised that the definition of a minor will be specified in all matters that concern the issuance of residence permits on the basis of family ties.

In addition, the above-mentioned, the Ministry stressed that as soon as the new rules start applying, the status of being a minor will be determined based on the date on which the residence permit application is submitted by the family members.

This means that as long as family members of a minor submit their residence permit applications before the minor turns 18, they will be granted the document.

“The status of being a minor will be determined according to the date on which the family member’s residence permit application is submitted, no longer according to the date on which the application is decided,” the Ministry stressed.

The amendments to the Aliens Act will officially enter into force on February 1, 2023, and as soon as such a decision becomes effective, less strict rules will apply to family members of minors who have been granted protection.