Late on 5 February 2026 the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) announced that it has partially suspended decisions on asylum applications submitted by Iranian nationals. Roughly one hundred cases are affected. The pause will remain in place until analysts complete a new Country-of-Origin Information (COI) report assessing the security implications of the latest nationwide protests and the Iranian government’s response. (dailyfinland.fi)
EU asylum rules allow member states to defer decisions when sudden changes in an applicant’s country of origin make existing background data unreliable. Migri last triggered a similar measure in 2022 after Afghanistan’s Taliban takeover. During the suspension, Iranian applicants will keep their reception benefits and residence rights; only final decisions are on hold.
For travelers who still need to secure work, study, or business visas for Finland—or for onward Schengen travel—VisaHQ provides a streamlined online platform backed by expert document checks. Their Finland portal (https://www.visahq.com/finland/) lists current entry rules and processing times, helping HR teams and individuals adjust plans quickly when policy shifts like Migri’s suspension occur.
![Migri Temporarily Halts Decisions on About 100 Iranian Asylum Claims Pending Country-of-Origin Update]()
For corporate mobility, the immediate impact is limited because the suspension targets international protection, not work-based or study-based residence permits. However, the move signals a wider shift toward risk-based processing. Employers recruiting Iranian talent should anticipate closer security screening and build extra time into onboarding schedules. Relocation managers should also advise assignees from Iran that border-control officers may ask additional questions about ties to opposition groups or military service.
The announcement may also influence Finland’s refugee-quota planning beyond 2026. If the updated COI suggests a pattern of state violence, policymakers could earmark future quota places for vulnerable Iranian minorities or activists. Meanwhile, NGOs providing legal aid warn that prolonged processing times can exacerbate mental-health issues and delay family-reunification applications.“Fast-track” channels for skilled workers will remain unaffected, but mixed-motive cases—where an applicant seeks both employment and protection—may require complex legal advice.
Recommended actions: • Employers should verify that any Iranian employee’s residence-permit type matches their assignment purpose and is separate from the asylum process. • Law firms should review pending Iranian protection cases for potential evidence updates. • Global mobility teams should monitor Migri’s website for the new COI report, expected within two to three months.
EU asylum rules allow member states to defer decisions when sudden changes in an applicant’s country of origin make existing background data unreliable. Migri last triggered a similar measure in 2022 after Afghanistan’s Taliban takeover. During the suspension, Iranian applicants will keep their reception benefits and residence rights; only final decisions are on hold.
For travelers who still need to secure work, study, or business visas for Finland—or for onward Schengen travel—VisaHQ provides a streamlined online platform backed by expert document checks. Their Finland portal (https://www.visahq.com/finland/) lists current entry rules and processing times, helping HR teams and individuals adjust plans quickly when policy shifts like Migri’s suspension occur.
For corporate mobility, the immediate impact is limited because the suspension targets international protection, not work-based or study-based residence permits. However, the move signals a wider shift toward risk-based processing. Employers recruiting Iranian talent should anticipate closer security screening and build extra time into onboarding schedules. Relocation managers should also advise assignees from Iran that border-control officers may ask additional questions about ties to opposition groups or military service.
The announcement may also influence Finland’s refugee-quota planning beyond 2026. If the updated COI suggests a pattern of state violence, policymakers could earmark future quota places for vulnerable Iranian minorities or activists. Meanwhile, NGOs providing legal aid warn that prolonged processing times can exacerbate mental-health issues and delay family-reunification applications.“Fast-track” channels for skilled workers will remain unaffected, but mixed-motive cases—where an applicant seeks both employment and protection—may require complex legal advice.
Recommended actions: • Employers should verify that any Iranian employee’s residence-permit type matches their assignment purpose and is separate from the asylum process. • Law firms should review pending Iranian protection cases for potential evidence updates. • Global mobility teams should monitor Migri’s website for the new COI report, expected within two to three months.
