Finland has announced new measures targeting foreign students who allegedly exploit the country’s welfare system while studying. The proposed changes focus on non-EU and non-EEA students who rely on basic social assistance despite being required to prove sufficient financial resources before receiving a residence permit.
Background of the Proposed Measures
Under Finnish law, international students from outside the EU and EEA must demonstrate that they can cover their living expenses throughout their studies. This requirement is meant to ensure that students remain financially independent and do not become a burden on the public welfare system.
However, authorities acknowledge that monitoring students’ financial self-sufficiency becomes difficult once they grant a residence permit. As a result, some students have reportedly accessed basic social assistance without facing consequences under existing regulations.
Automated Monitoring of Welfare Benefits
To address this issue, the Finnish government has proposed an automated monitoring system. This system would track whether international students receive basic social assistance from Finland’s social insurance institution, Kela.
The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) will receive the information if they detect such assistance. Officials would then be able to reassess the student’s residence permit status, potentially leading to revocation.
Stricter Consequences for Violations
According to the proposal, even a single instance of receiving basic social assistance could be grounds for canceling a student’s residence permit. The rules would apply specifically to non-EU and non-EEA students, while students from EU member states would remain unaffected due to freedom of movement laws.
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Between September 2023 and December 2025, Finnish authorities reviewed tens of thousands of student residence permits. During this period, authorities found that several hundred students received social assistance, yet none lost their permits under the current framework.
Government’s Rationale Behind the Crackdown
The Finnish government argues that the new policy aligns with its broader immigration strategy, which emphasizes responsible education-based migration. Officials say the aim is not to discourage international students, but to ensure that those who come to Finland for education can genuinely support themselves.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government links the proposal to its program, which prioritizes stricter immigration oversight and reduces dependence on public benefits.
Public Consultation and Next Steps
The government has opened the draft legislation for public consultation, allowing stakeholders, educational institutions, and the general public to submit their feedback. After the consultation period ends, the government plans to present the bill to parliament during the spring legislative session.
If approved, the new rules would mark a significant shift in how Finland monitors and regulates the financial status of international students, reinforcing the country’s stance on preventing misuse of its welfare system.
