Finland Resumes Decisions on Iranian Asylum Claims After Five-Month Pause

The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) announced on 1 July that it is again issuing decisions on all pending international-protection applications lodged by Iranian nationals. Processing had been partially frozen since February, when Tehran’s internal unrest created information gaps that Migri said prevented fair risk assessments. Following a fresh country-conditions review, Migri will prioritise the oldest Iranian files. Applicants who qualify will receive either refugee status, subsidiary protection or another residence permit; negative decisions will include simultaneous deportation orders, in line with Aliens Act §149. The backlog concerns several hundred cases, many involving students and tech professionals who sought asylum after overstaying Schengen visas. Law firms in Helsinki predict that fast-track work-permit routes may now reopen to Iranians previously unable to regularise status while their asylum case was in limbo. Employers should note that work-based residence permits cannot be issued until an asylum claim is withdrawn or resolved, so the resumption could free up skilled labour in IT and healthcare. HR departments sponsoring Iranian talent should prepare for sudden interview summons and ensure that income-requirement documents are up to date to leverage Migri’s parallel processing channels.