Migri processing times are facing renewed scrutiny after the Deputy Parliamentary Ombudsman identified significant problems with the Finnish Immigration Service’s handling of residence permits, citizenship applications and permanent residence permits. The findings follow hundreds of complaints from applicants who have experienced lengthy waiting periods for decisions on their immigration cases.
An inspection by the Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman found that Migri is unable to process all applications within the time limits established by Finnish law. The review was launched following numerous complaints from members of the public about delays in receiving decisions from the immigration authority.
The most significant problems were identified in residence permit applications based on family ties. According to the inspection findings, only 61 percent of these applications were processed within the statutory nine-month deadline in 2026. This means that a substantial proportion of applicants waited longer than the period allowed under the law.
The Deputy Parliamentary Ombudsman attributed the delays largely to the growing number of applications, which has exceeded Migri’s capacity to process them. The inspection also identified staff shortages, legislative changes and the complexity of individual cases as factors affecting processing times.
The backlog extends beyond family-based residence permits. Applications for Finnish citizenship and permanent residence permits have also experienced delays, affecting people waiting for decisions on their long-term residence status and future in Finland.
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Although increased application numbers and complex cases can create additional pressure on immigration authorities, the Deputy Parliamentary Ombudsman stressed that these challenges do not remove the obligation to follow statutory processing deadlines. Public authorities are expected to comply with the time limits established by law, even when application volumes increase.
The Parliamentary Ombudsman is an independent authority responsible for monitoring the legality of public administration in Finland. The office investigates complaints from members of the public and examines whether government authorities and public officials are fulfilling their legal responsibilities and respecting people’s fundamental rights.
Following the inspection, the Deputy Parliamentary Ombudsman has requested explanations from the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment about the measures they intend to take to address the problems identified at Migri.
The findings highlight the difficulties facing people who depend on immigration decisions to make important plans about their families, residence and future in Finland. For applicants seeking family reunification, permanent residence or Finnish citizenship, delays can mean waiting considerably longer than the statutory processing periods before receiving a decision.
The explanations requested from the two ministries are expected to address how the authorities intend to tackle the backlogs and improve Migri’s ability to process applications within the deadlines set by law.
