File Photo/Somali Times
By Helsinki Times
Finnish Minister of the Interior Meri Rantanen visited Somalia on 21 January to discuss cooperation on deporting Somali asylum seekers from Finland, a move critics allege is tied to the Finns Party’s political agenda ahead of the April municipal and county elections.
The visit, which included meetings with Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and Minister of Internal Security Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, focused on strengthening bilateral relations in security and readmission arrangements.
According to Rantanen, Finland’s top priority is to establish effective return mechanisms for Somali nationals denied residency in Finland.
“Finland appreciates the long-standing cooperation with Somalia. Establishing return arrangements is essential to the partnership,” Rantanen stated. She also emphasised Somalia’s critical role in counter-terrorism efforts, recognising the work of Somali security authorities in stabilising the region.
Finland has temporarily halted bilateral development aid to Somalia, a program previously vital to supporting Somalia’s recovery. The Finnish government has linked future funding decisions to progress on deportation agreements. Critics argue this conditionality politicises humanitarian aid, leveraging it to secure deportation commitments.
The visit also involved discussions with international representatives, including UN Special Representative James Swan and EU officials in Somalia, highlighting Finland’s efforts to align its deportation policies with broader European frameworks.
The Finns Party, of which Rantanen is a member, has long advocated stricter immigration policies. Finance Minister Riikka Purra, the party’s chairperson, praised the trip as a step toward resolving issues of undocumented migrants. She highlighted the stagnation in deportations and stated that re-establishing development aid should depend on Somalia’s cooperation.
However, critics, including human rights advocates, have accused the Finns Party of exploiting the Somali community for electoral purposes. Analysts note that the number of undocumented Somali nationals in Finland is relatively small—estimated between 100 and 200—raising questions about whether the initiative is more about political signalling than practical necessity.
A Somali asylum seeker in Finland, Ali Hassan, shared his concerns about potential deportation. After eight years in Finland and several rejected asylum applications, Hassan said the uncertainty has been overwhelming. “I’ve built a life here with my family. I fear returning to Somalia, where threats from groups like Al-Shabab could put us in danger,” he said.
Somali authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the visit but have acknowledged their limited resources for reintegrating deportees. Somalia relies heavily on remittances from its diaspora, which contribute an estimated $1.3 billion annually to the economy.
While Somalia understands the need for deportation agreements, officials have cautioned that returning individuals to unstable conditions could exacerbate challenges for deportees and their communities.
The visit comes amid rising scrutiny of deportation policies across Europe, particularly in the context of hybrid threats and strained relations with countries like Russia. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen recently highlighted the importance of international cooperation to counter such challenges while maintaining adherence to the rule of law.