The Finnish legislature is set to begin reviewing measures covering a citizenship test, deportations, and outsourced asylum processes, following proposals submitted by Petteri Orpo's NCP-led government on Thursday.

Citizenship test in 2027

One of the proposals introduces a citizenship test aimed at tightening the criteria for obtaining a Finnish passport.

In the future, applicants for Finnish citizenship would be required to pass the test, which must be taken in either Finnish or Swedish.

The test follows on from earlier restrictions to citizenship, including requirements related to length of residence, criminal records and income.

The proposed citizenship test would consist of 20 to 40 multiple-choice questions, with applicants required to answer around 70 percent correctly to pass.

The questions would cover topics such as Finnish history and culture, human rights, and equality. The drafting of the exam would be assigned to a 'university-level institution.'

The test is scheduled to come out at the beginning of 2027.

Last year, a total of 14,067 applicants received Finnish citizenship.

The introduction of a citizenship test is expected to reduce the number of applications submitted, according to a memorandum attached to the proposal.

Interior Minister Mari Rantanen (Finns), however, rejected the suggestion that the aim is to lower the number of people gaining citizenship.

"But it does require those seeking Finnish citizenship to take active steps to meet the conditions set in law," she said.

The All Points North podcast has unpacked Finland's tightened citizenship rules.

Listen to the episode via this embedded player, on Yle Areena, via Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Speedier deportations

The government has already introduced amendments tightening rules on deportation and entry bans.

This latest proposal on the issue aims to accelerate the deportation of rejected asylum seekers.

Under the proposal, entry bans could also be issued on grounds of national security, including in cases involving individuals suspected of links to terrorism.

Such bans could apply either only to Finland or across the entire 29-country Schengen area.

Outsourced asylum procedures

A third proposal submitted on Thursday implements the EU's migration and asylum pact, which moves toward a common asylum system.

"The pact will, in the future, make it possible to transfer asylum procedures to a safe third country outside the EU. That is, of course, a very significant reform," Rantanen added.

The EU agreement would also affect undocumented migrants in Finland. Authorities would be required to carry out screening to determine whether an individual poses a security risk in the country.