The Finnish government has come to a consensus regarding the eligibility of immigrant parents for home care support, specifically restricting payments to those who have resided in Finland for less than three years post their 16th birthday. This decision has been reported by Yle, which clarifies that the restriction will only apply to the immigrant parent, not both parents. This development signifies a tightening of social benefits as the government aims to manage resources effectively amid concerns about immigration and social welfare responsibilities.

Previously, the government had considered more stringent regulations that would have required both parents to have lived in Finland or in another EU or EEA country for a minimum of three years. However, the revised proposal reduces this requirement, acknowledging that a single parent can fulfill the residency condition based on their own history, which now includes tenure in other EU member states, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland. This change could potentially affect many immigrant families, altering the support they can access during the early years of their children's lives.

This move reflects broader discussions in Finnish society about immigration, integration, and social support systems. As the country navigates these complex issues, the government's decisions will likely have significant implications for immigrant communities. The adjustment in home care support eligibility signals ongoing scrutiny surrounding welfare policies and their impacts on social cohesion, particularly in light of recent immigration trends.