An independent investigation by the English-language Helsinki Times, published on 13 November, paints an even bleaker picture of Migri’s backlog crisis. Analysing data obtained from the Deputy Parliamentary Ombudsman’s office, the paper found more than 4,300 family-based residence-permit applications that have languished for over nine months – the maximum time allowed by law. Helsinki Times reports that the total family-reunification queue stands at roughly 22,000 files, and that the volume of incoming applications still outstrips Migri’s decision-making capacity. The newspaper attributes the slowdown to staff reductions ordered earlier in 2026 and to a flurry of legislative amendments that forced case-workers to relearn rules mid-year. Student families have been collateral damage: 3,065 dependant applications have blown past the three-month limit, the paper says, as embassies struggle to schedule interviews and DNA sampling. Business groups warn that the uncertainty is discouraging skilled workers from accepting Finnish job offers, undermining the Talent Boost programme designed to relieve labour shortages. Migri officials told the paper that a dedicated task force is assessing which parts of the workflow can be safely automated without violating applicants’ due-process rights. The agency insists that decisions involving discretion will remain in human hands, but hopes that rule-based automation can cut routine processing time by up to 30 percent. The exposé has prompted fresh political debate. Opposition MPs are demanding an emergency budget to hire 150 extra case-workers, while the government argues that process re-engineering rather than head-count alone is the long-term answer. Employers meanwhile say they cannot wait until 2027 for relief.
Source: Helsinki Times
