After the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, thousands of Ukrainians were forced to seek refuge abroad. One of the countries that accepted a significant number of refugees was Finland. Ukrainians in this Scandinavian state received the right to temporary protection, employment opportunities and access to social services. However, recently, the issue of their stay in the country has become threatened due to the initiative of the Finnish authorities regarding the possible resumption of deportations. IA “FACT” figured out why this issue has become relevant and how it will affect Ukrainian citizens.
Resumption of deportation is possible
Finland, like many other European countries, stopped deporting Ukrainians in connection with the war in 2022. However, already in September 2024, the country’s authorities are considering the possibility of returning this practice. Migration Service of Finland (Migri) declares, that decisions will be made only regarding those regions of Ukraine that are considered safe. Migri representatives note that each case will be considered individually, and the threshold for deportation decisions remains “very high.”
According to Finnish officials, the situation in Ukraine is heterogeneous. While some areas remain in the zone of active fighting, others are considered relatively calm. This became the basis for discussing the possibility of returning part of the refugees to their homeland.
Risks of deportation and reaction of Ukrainians
The forced return of citizens to Ukraine is always accompanied by risks, particularly for their lives and health. The Finnish government emphasizes that deportation will be used only in extreme cases, when Ukrainians cannot prove that their lives are in danger. Currently, the number of Ukrainians in Finland who may be subject to deportation is small. However, even a small possibility of returning home causes anxiety among refugees.
Ukrainian citizens who fear return note that the definition of a “safe region” is subjective and may not take into account the real threat. Some areas, although not in the zone of active hostilities, are still at risk of shelling or economic collapse.
Temporary protection: possibility to stay in Finland
Despite the discussion of deportation, Ukrainians in Finland continue to have the right to temporary protection. This right remains valid even for those who have been refused asylum. In such cases, citizens of Ukraine can submit a second application, which allows them to ensure their further stay in the country.
Temporary protection gives Ukrainians access to basic social services, employment and medical care. For many, this is the only way to provide for themselves and their families in conditions of uncertainty.
Legal assistance for Ukrainians
The situation with the possible return of deportation actualizes the issue of legal support. Ukrainians in Finland can turn to local human rights organizations or international funds that help with migration issues. There is also an opportunity to get advice from specialized lawyers who will help appeal the decision on deportation or submit a new application for temporary protection.
What does this decision mean for Ukrainians?
The possible resumption of deportation is a signal of a change in approaches to refugees in Europe. While most countries continue to support Ukrainians, growing pressure on social security systems forces some states to look for ways to reduce the number of foreigners. For Ukrainians in Finland, this may mean the need to be prepared for difficulties in extending their legal stay.
The situation with the possible resumption of deportations of Ukrainians in Finland remains difficult. Despite claims of a high threshold for making such decisions, many refugees feel anxious and uncertain about their future. Temporary protection remains a key mechanism for continued stay in the country, but it is important to monitor changes in legislation and actively use legal aid.
Finland, which has become a refuge for thousands of Ukrainians, faces a difficult challenge: how to provide support to those who need it, and at the same time maintain a balance in its migration policy. For Ukrainian refugees, this is another test that requires readiness to protect their rights and adapt to new realities.
