Visa policy can be used to combat irregular migration

European Migration Network Synthesis Report:

Visa policy can help prevent irregular migration into a country. This is demonstrated by a synthesis report titled Visa Policy as Migration Channel, published by the European Migration Network (EMN).

The study set out to map the connections between visa and immigration policies. The report is based on national studies in 21 EU states, conducted in 2011.

An embassy handling visa applications decides on whether or not a person applying for entry into the country should be granted a visa. The embassy verifies the validity of the applicant's documents, may interview the applicant and assesses the applicant's intention to return to his or her home country after the visa expires. An important part of this process lies in the exchange of information between national authorities and the embassies of other Schengen countries.

The connection between visa and immigration policies, and the importance of cooperation between authorities working under different ministries, are well illustrated by the experiences of the Embassy of Finland in Nigeria. When visa application practices were tightened, the focus of illegal entries into Finland shifted from visa applications to residence permit applications.

Finland is the only country without a separate, national visa system

All EU countries except Finland have a national visa system in use, in addition to the common Schengen visa system. National visas, also referred to as type “D” visas, are used in many countries to facilitate immigration. Practices vary significantly, but in most cases a type “D” visa can be used to enter a country in order to apply for a longer residence permit.

Finland only grants Schengen visas, which allow residence for a maximum period of three months. A Schengen visa is not granted for permanent residence in Finland or for the purpose of beginning permanent residence. Instead, in most cases applications for longer residence permits must be submitted while residing in one's home country. Sweden's policy is similar to that of Finland, since Sweden mainly grants national type “D” visas for longer family visits, but a person planning to immigrate to Sweden must apply for a residence permit while in his or her home country.

As part of the EU-wide study, visa policy was examined through case studies which focused on single countries of origin. The case study countries referred to in Finland's national report were Russia and Nigeria.

The synthesis report Visa Policy as Migration Channel is available on the website of the Finnish national contact point, at http://www.emn.fi/raportit/2012.

Further information for the media

Senior Adviser Mari Helenius, European Migration Network, The Finnish Immigration Service, tel. +358 71 873 0431, e-mail: firstname.lastname@migri.fi