Finnish government seeks to introduce stricter conditions for obtaining citizenship

​​​​​​​ATHENS

The Finnish government seeks to introduce stricter conditions required to obtain citizenship, media reports said Wednesday.

The government said the aim of the proposed amendment, which was scheduled to be submitted to the parliament next spring, is successful integration as a prerequisite for citizenship, according to public broadcaster YLE.

The proposal also wants to place a greater emphasis on security-related risks and compliance with the rules of society, it added.

Anyone living on unemployment benefits or social assistance would no longer meet the income requirement for citizenship, which means income will be considered proof the applicant has integrated into Finnish society.

The proposal will also make denaturalization easier for those who have committed offenses that violate Finland's vital interests or are found to have given false information when applying for citizenship.

"Finnish citizenship is not something that can be granted automatically. It requires successful integration, work, and compliance with the rules of Finnish society," Interior Minister Mari Rantanen was quoted in a statement.​​​​​​​