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Congestion in applications for family reunification for Somalis

In August almost 5,000 applications awaiting decision

The processing of residence permit applications for Somalis on the basis of family ties has become congested, leading to longer-than-average handling times for this type of application.

At the beginning of August, 2010

• almost 5,000 applications on the basis of family ties for Somalis are awaiting decision
• missions where Somali applicants are normally interviewed (chiefly Addis Abeba, also Nairobi and elsewhere) are currently interviewing applicants who submitted their applications approximately one year ago
• the earliest applications awaiting processing to begin were submitted in November, 2009
• the earliest applications awaiting decision were largely submitted in April, 2008.

The reasons for the congestion are the rapid increase in the number of applications from Somalis based on family ties and the fact that, with the absence of verifiable documentation from their home country, Somalis are usually given an oral hearing; in other words, a personal interview.

Overseas applicants are interviewed at a Finnish mission, after which a decision on the application is taken at the Finnish Immigration Service. Handling of the application may also be delayed if there is a need to arrange an interview at a police station for the sponsor living in Finland.

It is not possible to make a decision immediately after the interview.

Information on the website and by telephone

For the time being we are unable to answer status requests sent by e-mail. This is to enable us to serve our customers in the best way possible and to make rapid decisions on applications.

Information for applicant customers, their assistants and representatives, and for the authorities, is available

• on our website, which includes e.g. answers to frequently asked questions
• by telephone
  • on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.–11 a.m. on 071 873 3750 (answered by persons handling applications based on family ties)
  • Mondays to Fridays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. on 071 873 3400 (Finnish Immigration Service customer service line).

Further information

Processing in the order received, enquiries in writing
Ongoing search for additional resources

2.8.2010

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