In 2010, a total of 24,547 aliens from non-EU countries applied for a residence permit in Finland. The figure is 18% higher than in the previous year (number of applications in 2009: 20,790). The number of applications increased for all application types.
The most significant change was in the number of applications based on family ties for other family members, with an increase of 57% from the previous year (number of applications in 2010: 2,857 and in 2009: 1,819). The second most significant change was in the number of applications for residence permits from family members of Finnish citizens, with an increase of 31% (number of applications in 2010: 1,062 and in 2009: 808).
The number of applications based on family ties is expected to continue increasing, since the number of asylum seekers and persons who have been granted a residence permit has grown.
One of the most notable changes concerning processed residence permit applications is a significant increase in the number of applicants from Somalia. In 2010, applicants from Somalia submitted 3,986 applications. The figure is 76% higher than the in previous year (number of applications in 2009: 2,267). The majority of applications from Somalians pertain to the reunion of families, and the share of Somalian applicants of all applications based on family ties is by far the largest (37%).
The most significant number of applications were submitted from Russia (4,520), Somalia, (3,986) and India (1,712).
20,320 decisions
The total number of decisions made on residence permit applications was 20,320. This figure is significantly greater than in 2009 (18,260). A residence permit was granted to 16,322 people, i.e., to 80% of all applicants who received a decision.
The ratio of favourable and unfavourable decisions varies notably by application type. For example, a student residence permit was granted to 90% of relevant applicants, while approximately 73% of relevant applicants were granted a residence permit on the basis of family ties.
More detailed analyses online
For more detailed analyses of residence permit matters in Finnish, please visit the Finnish Immigration Service’s Web site: www.migri.fi.
Further information for the media:
Heikki Taskinen, Director, Immigration Unit, Tel.: +358 71 873 0431, firstname.lastname@migri.fi or Anna Hyppönen, Head of Immigration Unit Tel.: +358 71 873 0431, e-mail: firstname.lastname@migri.fi
24.3.2011
