Palestinian researchers in Finland are now at risk of deportation after a legal change made Palestinian passports invalid as proof of identity for residence permit applications.
The Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers (Tieteentekijät) confirmed that several doctoral researchers at Finnish universities are affected. The union has called on the Ministry of the Interior and the government to take immediate action.
Under the revised Aliens Act, effective 1 September 2024, residence permit applicants must prove their identity with a passport issued by a recognised country of citizenship. The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) no longer accepts Palestinian passports for this purpose, even though the Ministry for Foreign Affairs still recognises them as valid national travel documents.
One affected researcher, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they submitted their permit renewal application in March 2025, well before the expiry date of 31 May. Months later, Migri only replied with an email stating that the passport was no longer accepted.
“This leaves me in extreme uncertainty despite applying on time and holding a valid employment contract. This is not only a personal crisis but also a wider question of academic freedom, equal treatment, and the safety of international researchers in Finland,” the researcher said.
The union has verified the employment documents and email correspondence.
Tieteentekijät criticised the government for handling the legislative process in a closed and rushed manner. The draft legislation (VN/24628/2023) was sent to a limited group, excluding the union that represents international researchers. No public consultation round took place, and the deadline for feedback was exceptionally short.
The union argued that the situation contradicts the government’s support for knowledge-based immigration and could disrupt academic careers already underway.
“It is unreasonable that skilled international professionals who arrived legally and are contributing to Finnish research are now at risk of losing their studies and doctoral work due to administrative technicalities,” the union said.
Tieteentekijät urged the government to clarify that Palestinian passports will continue to be treated as valid national travel documents, ensuring Migri aligns with the Foreign Ministry.
The union also called for future legislative reforms to follow transparent procedures, include expert consultation, and respect fundamental rights.
