Key Takeaways:
- Finland entrusted VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd with visa and residence permit application reception after a detailed selection process.
- VF Worldwide will handle applications, collect biometric data, and fees but decision-making remains with Finnish authorities.
- Finland issued nearly one million residence permits (2015-2023) and will introduce stricter criteria for permanent permits in 2024.
Why Has Finland Selected VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd for Visa and Residence Permit Services?
Finland has recently announced its decision to partner with VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd for the reception of visa and residence permit applications. According to the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this collaboration comes after a tender launched in the fall of 2023. Notably, this decision was finalized on June 14, 2023.
How Was the Selection Made?
The process for selecting the new outsourcing company was meticulous. Four service providers applied to participate, with three advancing to the tender stage. The final offers were submitted at the beginning of June. To make the final decision, the Ministry closely examined the quality of customer service, as well as the financial and technical capabilities of the providers to handle applications according to Finnish standards.
What Are the Tasks of the External Service Provider?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs uses external service providers for visa and residence permit application reception in approximately 30 countries, across nearly 100 locations. The duties of VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd will include:
- Receiving applications
- Collecting and forwarding biometric data
- Collecting application fees and forwarding them to the representative office
According to VisaVerge.com, “The external service provider does not make any visa decisions; the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains responsible for these decisions.”
What Is the Timeline for this Transition?
The Ministry confirmed that contract negotiations would begin in August 2023. Importantly, there were no appeals against this decision by the deadline of June 28, 2023.
How Many Residence Permits Has Finland Issued Between 2015-2023?
Finland has issued approximately one million residence permits to non-EU immigrants from 2015 to 2023. A report from PT-Media specifically cites 978,506 residence permits granted during this period.
What Are the Changes in Finland’s Immigration Policy?
In March 2023, the Finnish Ministry of the Interior unveiled a project aimed at applying stricter criteria for permanent residence permits. The Finnish government aims to ensure successful integration as a prerequisite for obtaining a permanent residence permit. New rules for acquiring citizenship will be effective starting October 1, 2024.
What Does Successful Integration Involve?
The Finnish government emphasizes that immigrants need to follow the rules of Finnish society to achieve successful integration. This rule adherence is crucial for those wishing to apply for a permanent residence permit or citizenship.
Where Can I Find Official Information on Finland’s Visa and Residence Permits?
For more authoritative information on Finland’s visa and residence permit processes, you can refer to the official website of the Finnish Immigration Service.
By thoroughly vetting VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd and setting up strict guidelines for new immigrants, Finland continues to develop and refine its immigration policies. Whether you are applying for a Finland visa or looking to attain a residence permit, the structured approach by the Finnish Ministry aims to make the process smooth yet stringent, ensuring all applicants meet the country’s standards.
This new collaboration and updated policies reflect Finland’s ongoing commitment to efficient and fair immigration practices while ensuring that those who wish to call Finland home integrate well into society.
Learn Today:
Glossary of Immigration Terms
- Tender:
A formal process where companies submit proposals to provide specific services. In the context of immigration, it refers to the competitive bidding process to select an external service provider for handling visa and residence permit applications. - Biometric Data:
Physical characteristics, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, used to identify individuals. When applying for visas and residence permits, applicants often need to provide biometric data for security and identification purposes. - Residence Permit:
An official document granting a non-citizen the right to live and, in some cases, work in a country for a certain period. Finland has issued close to one million residence permits to non-EU immigrants from 2015 to 2023. - External Service Provider:
An outsourced company that handles specific administrative tasks, such as receiving visa and residence permit applications, collecting fees, and forwarding biometric data to the relevant governmental authorities. VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd has been selected for this role by Finland. - Successful Integration:
The process through which immigrants adapt and conform to the rules and societal norms of a host country. In Finland, achieving successful integration is essential for immigrants aiming to apply for a permanent residence permit or citizenship.
This Article In A Nutshell:
Finland chose VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd to manage visa and residence permit applications after a 2023 tender, prioritizing excellent customer service, financial, and technical capability. Tasks include receiving applications and biometric data collection. This partnership continues Finland’s commitment to efficient, fair immigration with a focus on smooth, stringent processes.
— By VisaVerge.com
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