Finland plotting mass deportation of Somalia asylum seekers

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Finnish government could initiate mass deportation of Somalia asylum seekers, it has emerged, in one of the actions that could lead to heated debates among members of the community and various human rights groups.

Last week, Meri Rantanen, the Finnish minister of interior, held sessions with Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre over anticipated deportations, but critics insist that the move is tied to the Finns Party's political agenda ahead of the April municipal and county elections.

Somalia's Interior Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail also attended the meeting where security and readmission arrangements were discussed. Rantanen argues that her country is interested in establishing effective return mechanisms for Somalis denied residency in Finland.

“Finland appreciates the long-standing cooperation with Somalia. Establishing return arrangements is essential to the partnership,” Rantanen stated. She also emphasized Somalia’s critical role in counter-terrorism efforts, recognizing the work of Somali security authorities in stabilizing the region.

In recent months, Finland stopped bilateral development aid to Somalia which was critical in recovery and state-building in the country. The Finnish government has linked future funding decisions to progress on deportation agreements.

However, critics argue this conditionality politicizes humanitarian aid, leveraging it to secure deportation commitments. UN special representative James Swan also attended the meeting along with EU officials, an indication that Finland wants to align deportation policies with the European framework.

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.

Others say the decisions are geared towards exploiting the Somali community for electoral purposes. There are about 200 undocumented Somalis in Finland, raising questions about the motive given that the number cannot tilt political equations.

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.

GAROWE ONLINE