Finland’s D Visa to Accelerate Entry of Students and Researchers With Residence Permits
Such an announcement has been confirmed through a statement provided by the Ministry of Interior, Labour and Economy, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.
The changes have been introduced by Finland’s President, Sauli Niinistö, on December 20.
According to the announcement, the new changes have been introduced in an effort to further contribute to education as well as work-based immigration and streamline immigration procedures.
“The Finnish Immigration Service issues a D-visa in connection with a positive residence permit decision. In this way, those who have received a residence permit can travel to Finland faster than at present: they do not have to wait for the residence permit card to be delivered abroad, but the visa sticker attached to the travel document at the Finnish embassy shows the right to enter the country,” the statement reads.
The announcement reads that this promotes the beginning of studies, and research work as well as work on time while stressing that it eases the recruitment of experts and also strengthens the country’s attractiveness.
Residence permit holders residing abroad can also receive a D-visa, in case their residence permit card has been stolen, lost or expired.
“The approved bill also includes an amendment to the Aliens Act, with which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will in the future grant a temporary residence permit to young people from diplomatic families arriving in Finland up to the age of 20,” the statement reads.
According to the statement, up to this point, young people from diplomatic families were required to apply for an extension of their residence permit from the Immigration Office, after turning 18.
Authorities in Finland introduced the D visa in June this year, while the changes to the law were prepared by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Back then it was confirmed that such a visa would be granted to special experts as well as growth entrepreneurs and their family members.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that the goal of Prime Minister Sanna Marini is to increase education and work-based immigration.
