NordenBladet — The Ministry of the Interior has issued a decree on assistance for voluntary return for 2022–2023. The decree will enter into force on 1 January 2022.There will be no changes in the assistance for voluntary return compared to 2020–2021. The new decree on assistance for voluntary return will be valid for two years until the end of 2023.Assistance for voluntary return may cover the costs of the return journey and financial assistance to enable the returnee to start a new life in the home country. Assistance may be financial or in-kind assistance. In-kind assistance means various items or services helping the person to start a small business or access education or training, for example.According to the Government Programme, the voluntary return system will be developed as the primary option for securing the departure of unsuccessful applicants and their reintegration. The functioning and development of the voluntary return system will be examined separately and, if necessary, the decree on the assistance may be amended before it expires.The Action Plan for the Prevention of Irregular Entry and Stay for 2021–2024 also contains measures related to assisted voluntary return and reintegration. The Ministry of the Interior monitors the implementation of the Action Plan.
NordenBladet — The Social Security Committee has identified the main problem areas of the current social security system and issues now 18 positions for reforming the system.Positions of the Social Security Committee on problem-based situation reportsThe positions are based on five reports compiled by the Committee. Four reports focused on problems in the system, while the fifth report described the main choices involved in and the basic principles of the Finnish social security system. The themes discussed in the positions include complexity of the social security system, balance between gainful employment and social security, last-resort assistance, basic social security and housing, and balance between services and benefits.“The problems the committee has identified in Finland’s current social security system reveal that we are dealing with challenges that are typical of advanced welfare states and very different from the problems faced in the early stages of welfare-state development. There are problems with implementation and administration, which manifest as a complicated system, where services are difficult to use, people fall through the system’s cracks and implementation boundaries exist between administrative divisions. Another major theme is the differences of opinion over the boundaries and purpose of advanced welfare states, such as how benefits should be adjusted to earnings and what are the boundaries between individuals and society in terms of rights and obligations,” says Pasi Moisio, Chair of the Social Security Committee.A set of studies will be carried out using the positions as basis for finding solutions to the problems in the current system. Another study will examine alternative ways of organising social security for the purpose of a longer-term reform of the system. These alternative ways can include basic income, negative income tax, life account, consolidation of basic security benefits, and a cause-based social security system. Once the studies have been completed, the Social Security Committee will outline the principles and structures of a long-term social security reform in its interim report. At a later stage, the Committee may also take a stand on other issues related to social security.Social security is being reformed by a parliamentary committee with a term from spring 2020 until 2027.
NordenBladet — Minister of Defence Kaikkonen will meet Nordic and Baltic defence ministers via video connection on 17 December 2021. The ministers will discuss the security situation in the neighbouring areas, military security of supply and cooperation within the framework of the Nordic-Baltic assistance Programme (NBAP).
NordenBladet — Amendments to the Trade Register Act and the Business Information Act will take effect in August next year. The amendments will update the Acts to comply with two EU Directives. Trade register data will move more easily between EU Member States in future. In addition, a electronic trade register extract will become free of charge through a decree amendment.On 16 December 2021, the President of the Republic of Finland adopted amendments to the Trade Register Act and the Business Information Act that materially affect the activities of the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH), more specifically the Trade Register maintained by PRH. The amendments will take effect on 1 August 2022. The legislative amendments are a consequence of two EU Directives: the Digitalisation Directive concerning business registers and the Anti-Money Laundering Directive.In future, companies will not have to report the same information to several different registration authoritiesThe amendments, which will take effect in August, will facilitate the movement of business register information between the registration authorities of different EU Member States. If, for example, the persons in charge of a limited liability company change, information on the changes will also move to the country where a registered branch of the limited liability company operates. In addition, information on beneficial owners within the meaning of the Anti-Money Laundering Directive will be more readily available between Member States, and a notification of the establishment of a limited liability company that is submitted electronically should be processed within five working days.The Digitalisation Directive requires that certain information on limited liability companies be free of charge in future. Such information includes, for example, the entries in the register concerning the persons in charge of a limited liability company. Trade register data will be made free of charge more broadly than required by the EU Directive through an amendment to the decree on fees chargeable by the Finnish Patent and Registration Office, issued by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment on 2 December 2021. The electronic trade register extracts of all companies entered in the Trade Register will be free of charge from 1 August 2022. Information on beneficial owners will continue to be subject to a fee.
NordenBladet — On 16 December 2021, the Government issued a decree that will allow support to energy investments under Finland’s Recovery and Resilience Plan in 2022–2026. The aim is to promote energy investment and energy infrastructure projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Finland and support the country’s 2035 carbon neutrality target.The Recovery and Resilience Plan is part of the Sustainable Growth Programme for Finland, which, in line with the objectives of Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government Programme, supports ecologically, socially and economically sustainable growth.In addition to climate objectives, the funding will also promote new business opportunities in sustainable growth for companies.“Green transition funding will support companies’ energy transition and enable the commercialisation of new technologies at the same time. The funding will be used to renew the economic structure and will help create new jobs. Finnish companies are in a good position to lead the way in green solutions,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä.EUR 520 million to energy system transition and industrial energy solutionsUpon the adoption of the decree, calls for applications related to the energy system transformation and industrial energy solutions of the Sustainable Growth Programme can be opened. The amount of available funding will total about EUR 520 million. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and Business Finland will announce the first call for applications in the next few days.The Sustainable Growth Programme has specified the following amounts of funding to energy investments: Investments in energy infrastructure: EUR 155 million Investments in new energy technology: EUR 155 millionLow-carbon hydrogen and carbon capture and utilisation EUR 150 million Direct electrification and decarbonisation of industrial processes EUR 60 million The funding will come from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). These figures may still change, as the final amount of funding from the EU will be specified in summer 2022.Both the Ministry and Business Finland can make funding decisions based on the thresholds set in the Decree. In accordance with the Decree, Business Finland will make decisions on aid to Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) related to hydrogen.Condition for granting aid is the principle of “do no significant harm”The Decree’s content is largely in line with the Government Decree on general terms and conditions for granting energy aid in 2018–2022, but it also lays down provisions on the general and special conditions related to the implementation of projects and the granting of aid in accordance with Finland’s Recovery and Resilience Plan.For example, the funding criteria include special requirements related to the use of the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility, such as compliance with the “do no significant harm” principle. According to this principle, investments should not cause significant harm to environmental objectives.The Government Decree will enter into force on 16 December 2021 and remain in force until 31 December 2026.
NordenBladet — On 16 December 2021, the Government has granted EUR 4 million for the abrupt structural change situation in Jämsä and EUR 300,000 for the situation in Utsjoki. The funding will support the sustainable growth and vitality of the regions.EUR 4 million for Jämsä to create new businesses and jobsThe funding granted to the Jämsä region is intended to manage the structural change caused by the closure of the UPM Kymmene Kaipola paper mill. The funding will be allocated to coordinating structural change and developing the operating environment in order to create new businesses and jobs in the region. The EUR 4 million allocated to the Regional Council of Central Finland is the final instalment of the approximately EUR 8.7 million in total funding agreed in the autumn 2020 budget session. In autumn 2020, the Regional Council of Central Finland was granted a business aid authorisation and regional development funding totalling EUR 4.5 million. “The outlook for Jämsä has changed significantly due to sale of the paper mill area and new activity that is revitalising the area. The key is to turn the interest shown in the area into practical measures. It is precisely this development and regional renewal that the funding will support,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä.EUR 300,000 to Utsjoki to promote sustainable businessThe funding granted to the Regional Council of Lapland is intended to manage the change in the local business community caused by the Utsjoki fishing ban and to promote coordination and sustainable business activity. Finland and Norway have jointly made the exceptional decision to prohibit fishing temporarily on the River Tenojoki, covering the entire life cycle of the Tenojoki salmon from the sea to the river. The reason for the restriction is the rapidly deteriorating state of the River Tenojoki’s salmon stocks. The decision aims to secure fishing opportunities and viable salmon stocks in the River Tenojoki in the future. The ban on salmon fishing will adversely affect the economy of the Tenojoki Valley. The tourism industry and joint owners of fishing waters, in particular, will suffer losses of income from tourism and fishing permits. Tourism in the region has been strongly built around fishing, and the restrictions will have significant indirect effects on fishing tourism. The employment effects of the exceptional situation will fall directly on tourism and service providers and indirectly on the municipality and other service providers. There is a strong cultural tradition of salmon fishing in the region and the effects of the changed situation cannot be assessed on economic grounds alone. The effects are local and will particularly impact the vitality of the municipality with its small population. “Securing salmon stocks at a sustainable level is important. It is also essential to develop business and tourism in a sustainable way, both in the short and long term. New initiatives are also needed to revitalise local business activity and respond to the changed situation. The central government funding can be used to ensure regional coordination of measures and, for example, make analyses to promote the launch of new businesses,” says Minister Lintilä.
NordenBladet — Finland wants to attract significantly more international experts. According to a government proposal submitted to Parliament, foreign students would obtain a residence permit for the entire duration of their studies. The new law would also improve the employment opportunities of students after graduation. The Government’s proposed amendments to student residence permits would make it easier for international students to complete their studies, because they would obtain a permit for their entire studies. The right of foreign students to work during their studies would also be improved. Under the new act, the type of permit for students studying for a higher education degree would change from temporary (B) to continuous (A), which would make it easier to obtain a permanent residence permit. According to the legislative reform, the family members of the student would also receive a continuous (A) permit. Graduates to have easier access to jobsIn the legislative reform, the so-called jobseeker’s permit, which is granted to students who have completed a degree and to researchers who have completed their research, would be extended from one year to two years. The permit would not need to be used immediately, but could be applied for within five years of the expiration of the residence permit.The Government will also assess in 2022 whether doctoral students could be granted longer residence permits. It aims to submit a proposal on the matter during this Government term. “With more seamless permit practices, the Government wants to make it easier for international students and researchers to stay in Finland. The new law will enable those who have studied here to look for work and will also certainly make Finland a more attractive destination for international experts,” says Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen. Students still responsible for their livelihood Students would still be required to provide proof of a secure means of subsistence, but only for one year. However, they would be responsible for their livelihood throughout their residency. The authorities would also monitor the requirement of a secure means of subsistence during the validity of the residence permit.The amendment would not affect the obligation to pay tuition fees, which would continue to be charged of students arriving in Finland from third countries. New law to meet the needs of businesses betterAccording to the proposal, residence permits of the same type would be contained in a single act. As part of the residence permit regulation is based on EU rules, the new act would lay down national provisions on permits for students, researchers, trainees and volunteers so that the act meet the needs of businesses and education better.Asylum seekers, on the other hand, could apply for a residence permit on the basis of studies. In its session on 16 December, the Government discussed a proposal for amendments to residence permits. The act is due to enter into force on 1 April 2022.
NordenBladet — Finland will donate the second batch of COVID-19 vaccine doses through Team Europe. These vaccines were purchased in advance and they would remain unused in Finland. The vaccine donations will not slow down the rollout of vaccinations in Finland. Finland’s donation of COVID-19 doses and support for vaccine alliance Gavi will increase global vaccine coverage and prevent the rise of new variants.In its session today, on 16 December, the Government decided to donate a batch of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine doses to developing countries. The total value of these vaccines is EUR 12.6 million. The donation is tied to the vaccine doses that remain unused from Finland’s share of the EU’s joint vaccine procurement contract. The vaccine donations will not slow down the rollout of vaccinations in Finland. This is the second batch of vaccine donations, following Finland’s donation of AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines worth EUR 10 million in September 2021. “The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed how rapidly global problems impact wellbeing and economy in Finland. The pandemic can be defeated, but we need more resources and solidarity,” says Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari. Finland is committed to international vaccine solidarity and it participates in the EU’s efforts to increase the availability of COVID-19 vaccines. It is of vital importance not only from the perspective of solidarity but also from the viewpoint of health security and economy that the availability of vaccines in third countries is supported. At the same time, Finland channels EUR 15.2 million to support Gavi, which plays a key role in efforts to respond to the pandemic. Gavi works through the COVAX Facility in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the UN Children’s Fund UNICEF. COVAX is the main channel for conducting international cooperation to ensure the equal availability of COVID-19 vaccines and to demonstrate the EU’s vaccine solidarity.The COVID-19 Vaccines Advance Market Commitment (COVAX AMC) supports especially the availability of vaccines in low-income and middle-income countries. Supporting COVAX AMC is important to increase global vaccination coverage and to curb the emergence and spread of new virus variants that cause disease.
NordenBladet — The Ministry of the Interior has issued a decree on fees charged by the Finnish Immigration Service. The decree will enter into force on 1 January 2022.Fees charged for processing applications aim to promote the use of online servicesModerate adjustments will be made to the prices of some of the Finnish Immigration Service’s chargeable services in the beginning of 2022. The processing fees for residence permit applications and citizenship declarations will slightly decrease in the beginning of 2022. For example, the fee for permanent residence permits will be EUR 160 from the beginning of 2022 (previously EUR 190). The fee for citizenship declarations submitted in paper form will be EUR 160 (previously EUR 200), while the fee for citizenship declarations submitted online will be EUR 120 (previously EUR 150).The processing fees for certain applications submitted in paper form will increase. For example, the fee for paper applications for extended residence permits will rise to EUR 430 (previously EUR 330), and the fee for paper applications for seasonal work certificates will rise to EUR 250 (previously EUR 175). The fees for EU registrations and residence permit cards for UK citizens will increase from EUR 49 to EUR 54. These fees are in line with the fee charged for the national identity card, which will be EUR 54 in 2022.No increases are proposed to the other fees charged for online services, as the Finnish Immigration Service can process online applications at a lower cost than paper applications. It is also easier for customers to apply online. The purpose of the fees is to encourage applicants to increasingly use the online services.Fees correspond to the costs of processingThe processing fees are determined based on the costs incurred to the Finnish Immigration Service in processing the applications. The processing fees also play a role in ensuring adequate resources for the Finnish Immigration Service, which helps the agency in meeting the deadlines set for processing applications.For social and humanitarian reasons, the processing fees are, however, lower than the costs in the case of first residence permit applications (excluding employee, entrepreneur and start-up entrepreneur permits) and in the case of applications for fixed-term residence permits for minors and students, for example. Applying for international protection is free of charge.
NordenBladet — On 16 December 2021, the President of the Republic approved a bill for an act on managing the programmes under the Home Affairs Funds and on implementing a grant scheme. The act will enter into force on 22 December 2021.The act lays down provisions on the grounds for the national scheme of grants awarded from the resources of the European Union Home Affairs Funds and provisions necessary for the management of the programmes under the Funds during the programming period 2021–2027.The act also lays down transitional provisions concerning the programming period 2014–2020. The act simplifies the management of the Funds, for example by enabling more extensive use of simplified forms of grants, such as lump sums. The aim is to reduce the administrative burden for beneficiaries and the managing authority for the Funds and to pay more attention to the results of operations supported by the Funds.The programmes are managed by the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Finance is responsible for auditing their activities.Three Funds have been established in the field of home affairs for the programming period 2021–2027: the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), the Internal Security Fund (ISF), and, as part of the Integrated Border Management Fund, the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (BMVI). The purpose of the Funds is, among other things, to promote the management of migration matters, prevent phenomena that undermine security and support the security of the EU’s external borders.