Legislative amendments on removal from the country and entry bans sent out for comments

Legislative amendments on removal from the country and entry bans sent out for comments

The Ministry of the Interior has sent out for comments a draft government proposal to reform the provisions on removal from the country and entry bans laid down in the Aliens Act. The deadline for comments is 2 February 2026.

The draft government proposal suggests that the regulation on removal from the country be clarified. In addition, the enforcement of deportation decisions in matters other than asylum would be expedited.

Appeals against a deportation decision would no longer automatically postpone or prevent the enforcement of the decision. Deportation decisions could be enforced 30 days after the decision was served, that is, after the time allowed for appeal has expired. The person to be deported could stay in the country for the time allowed for lodging the appeal. An administrative court could, upon application, prohibit or suspend enforcement for the duration of the consideration of the appeal.

In June 2025, a legislative amendment entered into force to enable faster enforcement of deportation decisions in asylum matters.

"Those who do not have the right to reside in Finland must leave the country. Finland will continue to improve the effectiveness of returns. This is a key objective of the Government Programme," said Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

Entry ban could be imposed in advance for reasons of national security

The draft proposal also suggests that an entry ban could be imposed in advance on an alien staying outside Finland who is considered a danger to national security. An entry ban could be imposed even if the person has no permit history in Finland. This would prevent, in advance, known terrorists or terrorists who have been sentenced abroad from entering Finland and the Schengen area.

An entry ban would be imposed by the police either on the proposal of other security authorities or on their own initiative. The entry ban would apply to the entire Schengen area.

In May 2025, a legislative amendment entered into force according to which an entry ban can be imposed on an alien staying outside Finland due to the person being a danger to public order and security or to national security without hearing the person in Finland. This change is particularly related to situations where the person already has a previous permit history in Finland.

This government proposal now circulated for comments is set to be submitted to Parliament at the beginning of 2026.

Inquiries:
Jutta Gras, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 488 650, [email protected]
Joni Länsivuori, Chief Superintendent, tel. +358 295 488 582, [email protected]