The new right-wing government of National Coalition Party (NCP) Prime Minister-designate, Petteri Orpo published its government program Saturday. With respect to migrant policy, it reinforces what many have feared: deep-rooted suspicion of migrants.
The new government, which is considered to be the most right-wing since the 1930s and the most anti-immigration in a long time, is made up of the NCP, radical-right Perussuomalaiset(PS)*, Swedish People’s Party, and Christian Democrats.
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The tightening of immigration policy in the government program also reveals that, apart from keeping migrants on short leashes, such people are second-class members of society with fewer rights. Disenfranchisement and suspicion are good words to describe the new government’s policy.
By changing citizenship requirements from five to eight years is a prime example of disenfranchisement. If you cannot vote, for example, your oppressors can keep you marginalized.
Other draconian changes include making asylum temporary. It also has the same message: we don’t want you, we don’t like you – Finland will never become your new home.
In order to get a permanent residence, you need to live six years in the country. If you make, however, 40,000 euros a year, you can get a permanent residence in four years. But be careful! If you become unemployed, you will have to leave the country if you cannot find new employment in three months.
Under the threat of a fine, employers must inform the Finnish Immigration Service about the unemployed employee.
The further disenfranchisement of migrants will lead to greater abuse by employers and the Finnish system in general.
Also, when applying for a permanent residence, you will be given a Finnish- or Swedish-language test to prove that you have basic language skills.
The government program also shows that migrants are an economic commodity.
