DNA testing has united a record number of immigrant families

Persons applying for a residence permit in Finland on the basis of family ties underwent a record number of DNA tests in 2007. While 150 applicants and their Finnish-based sponsors submitted themselves to DNA testing in 2006, the figure for last year rose to 500, the highest yet. Finland adopted DNA testing for the purpose of uniting families in June 2000, one of the first countries in Europe to do so.

The Finnish Immigration Service predicts the number of DNA tests in 2008 reaching at least the level achieved last year. One contributory factor will be the additional funds granted by the government for this purpose.

The single most important factor in the need for DNA testing has been the long-standing security situation in Somalia: relatively few applications for asylum or based on family ties are forthcoming while the country is at peace, but during periods of instability such as the country is experiencing at present the number increases rapidly. In 2006, for example, 404 decisions were made on applications submitted by Somalis on the basis of family ties, out of which 59 % (240) were positive. In 2007, when the situation in the country again became critical, the number of decisions concerning Somalis rose by over a half, to 628. The number of positive decisions also climbed, to 67 % (422).

The majority of DNA tests applied to Somalis, who are rarely able to prove their identity, let alone their family relationships. The opportunity to undergo DNA testing is often given to citizens of other African countries, and for family members of those arriving in Finland as part of the refugee quota from, for example, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. DNA testing is voluntary, the need for it being given separate consideration on an individual basis after family members have attended a hearing where both oral and written evidence is presented.

A purely biological relationship is not, however, sufficient for a positive decision on resident permit without the background of a genuine, permanent family life. A foster child, for example, could therefore be granted a resident permit on the basis of family ties if identifiable as an integral member of the family. Almost without exception the attitude of families applying for residence permit towards DNA testing is a positive one: over the years only two families have refused the test.

The Finnish Immigration Service takes decisions on the use of DNA testing and is responsible for costs, but the tests themselves are carried out by a health care professional. Testing in Finland is monitored by the police, and abroad by the Finnish Immigration Service, the Finnish mission or a police representative.

Further information: Senior Adviser Eeva-Maria Nieminen, tel. +358 71 873 3167, eeva-maria.nieminen@migri.fi

24.1.2008