Finland to introduce citizenship test, tougher immigration measures

By Mehmet Solmaz

BIRMINGHAM, England (AA) - Finland’s government has submitted a series of legislative proposals to Parliament aimed at tightening immigration rules, including the introduction of a citizenship test expected to take effect in 2027.

According to a report published by Finland’s public broadcaster YLE on Friday, the measures were presented by Interior Minister Mari Rantanen as part of a broader effort by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s coalition government to reform immigration policy and align with evolving European Union standards.

The proposed citizenship test would require applicants to answer between 20 and 40 multiple-choice questions in either Finnish or Swedish, achieving a score of around 70% to pass.

The exam would cover topics such as Finnish history, culture, human rights, and equality, and would be developed by a university-level institution.

The initiative builds on earlier changes to citizenship requirements, including stricter criteria related to residency duration, income, and criminal records.

While officials acknowledge the test may reduce the number of applications, Rantanen rejected claims that the policy is intended to limit citizenship approvals, emphasizing instead the need for applicants to actively meet legal requirements.

In addition to the citizenship reform, the government has introduced proposals linked to the European Union’s migration and asylum pact. These include provisions that would allow asylum applications to be processed in so-called “safe third countries” outside the EU.

The reforms would also expand screening procedures for undocumented migrants, requiring authorities to assess whether individuals pose potential security risks.

Parliament is expected to begin reviewing the proposals in the coming months.