OREANDA-NEWS The Finnish authorities intend to tighten the conditions for obtaining citizenship, according to the proposed amendments, lack of employment and the commission of crimes will be taken into account when applying for citizenship, the Finnish Interior Ministry reported on Wednesday.

"The requirements for obtaining Finnish citizenship will be tightened in accordance with the government program," the ministry said in a statement on its website.

The Government's proposal to amend the law on citizenship has been sent out for comment by mid-January. The Interior Ministry plans to amend the parliament in the spring session of 2025.

According to the proposed amendments, persons living on unemployment benefits will no longer meet the requirements for the necessary income to obtain citizenship, the agency clarifies.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the commission of crimes will have a more significant impact on whether the applicant will be able to obtain a Finnish passport.

It will be easier to lose acquired citizenship if a person has committed a crime affecting the national interests of Finland, or provided false information when applying for citizenship.

The amendments will not apply to asylum seekers, the agency said.