Finland has announced a new proposal to further tighten education-based immigration rules. The Finnish government is planning to revoke residence permits of non-EU international students if they receive any amount of social assistance from the state.
The draft law was released on 16 January 2026 by Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and is open for consultation until 27 February 2026. If approved, the law may take effect from autumn 2026.
⚖ What Is Being Proposed?
Under the new plan:
- If an international student receives even one payment of basic social assistance from Kela (Finland’s welfare authority),
- The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) will be alerted automatically,
- Migri may cancel the student’s residence permit, and
- The student could be required to leave Finland or apply for a different visa status.
This would introduce automatic monitoring between welfare and immigration databases something not currently done.
🔍 Why Is Finland Introducing This Rule?
The government says the policy will:
- Enforce the existing rule that students must be financially self-sufficient,
- Prevent misuse of Finland’s welfare system, and
- Ensure only students with proper funding are allowed to stay.
🎓 Concerns From Universities and Employers
Universities and business groups have raised serious concerns:
- Even one-time emergency support (such as delays in opening a bank account) could lead to deportation.
- The rule may discourage talented students, especially in engineering, healthcare, and other high-demand fields.
- Experts warn this could damage Finland’s reputation as a student-friendly destination.
Digital rights groups are also questioning how student data will be protected and whether affected students will receive fair hearings.
💡 What Counts as Social Assistance?
Social assistance includes financial help from the government for basic living needs, such as:
- Rent and housing costs
- Food and groceries
- Utilities (electricity, heating, water)
- Emergency support in case of financial hardship
❌Important:Scholarships, student loans, or money from family are not considered social assistance.
✅ Pakistani students using scholarships or loans are not affected, as long as they avoid claiming government welfare.
🌍 How Is This Different From Other Countries?
If implemented, Finland would have one of the strictest monitoring systems in Europe.
- Countries like Denmark and the Netherlands only take action after repeated or long-term welfare use, not a single payment.
📅 Timeline
- Public consultation ends: 27 February 2026
- Expected to reach Parliament: Spring 2026
- Possible implementation: Autumn 2026
🎯 What This Means for International Students
Students planning to study in Finland must:
- Maintain strong financial proof and emergency savings,
- Avoid applying for any government social assistance,
- Carefully document any financial hardship, and
- Stay updated on immigration rules.
Pakistani students and other non-EU students must be especially careful, but using scholarships or student loans is safe.
📞 Contact Us
If you need guidance on Finland study visas, residence permits, financial requirements, or immigration rules, feel free to contact us:
- DHA Phase 3 Branch: +92 310 7203666
- Garden Town Branch: +92 310 7205666
- Gujrat Branch: +92 326 9616034
- Email: info@wacconsultants.com
We are here to help you plan your studies in Finland safely and successfully.