World Immigration News

Student family immigration rises sharply, interior minister criticises reform

Release Date: 2025-07-07
Media: Yle
Summary: Finland has seen a sharp rise in residence permit applications from the family members of non-EU international students. Applications increased from around 1,300 in 2021 to over 12,000 in 2023, with 2024 figures expected to reach a record 15,000. This surge follows 2022 reforms introduced by the previous government, which allowed students to receive residence permits for the full duration of their studies and granted broader work rights.

These changes attracted a new profile of students — often older and more likely to bring their families. Most students come from countries like Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Nigeria, and others. However, the growing number of student families has raised concerns about financial hardship. Reports from cities like Tampere indicate that a significant portion of those seeking food aid are international students. Some students arrive with unrealistic expectations about job opportunities, often misled by intermediary agencies.

Under the current system, students only need to prove financial resources in their first year, while their family members must undergo annual financial assessments. Despite tuition fees and ineligibility for Finnish student grants, few international students apply for social assistance due to fears it may jeopardize their residence status.

In response, the current government under Prime Minister Petteri Orpo is reviewing the system and plans to implement stricter controls to prevent financial vulnerability and misuse. Interior Minister Mari Rantanen has called for a full reversal of the 2022 reforms, arguing they have led to exactly the problems critics had warned of. She advocates for a return to more frequent financial checks and applying the same strict reunification criteria to student families as to other migrants. While not calling for a cap on non-EU students, she emphasizes the need to assess Finland’s capacity to support them.
Tags: Finland

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