You can make an administrative complaint if you believe, that
- the conduct or actions of the Finnish Border Guard or its officials have been unlawful, incorrect or inappropriate
- the Finnish Border Guard or its officials have neglected their duties.
An administrative complaint can concern procedural errors, misuse of discretion, inappropriate behaviour by an official, or other administrative shortcomings. It can also concern passivity or neglect.
Please note that an administrative complaint cannot be used to appeal against an administrative act or decision. If the matter can be appealed using regular means, it is recommended to follow the provided appeal instructions.
Who can make an administrative complaint?
Anyone can make an administrative complaint. Thus, the complainant does not need to be a party to the matter.
However, please note that the matter being complained about may contain confidential information that cannot be disclosed to anyone other than the party concerned without authorisation. This may limit the information provided to you during the handling and resolution of the matter.
To whom should the administrative complaint be made?
You can complain about the actions of the Finnish Border Guard or its officials to the Finnish Border Guard. Administrative complaints concerning the Border Guard are generally handled by the administrative unit to which the complaint pertains. The Border Guard Headquarters also handles complaints of a principled nature or those involving multiple administrative units.
You can also complain about the Finnish Border Guard's actions to the highest legality oversight authorities, which are the Parliamentary Ombudsman and the Chancellor of Justice. It should be noted that, according to the division of tasks among the highest legality oversight authorities, matters concerning the Finnish Border Guard are primarily centralised to the Parliamentary Ombudsman. Additionally, certain special authorities, such as the Data Protection Ombudsman and the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman, oversee official activities within their specific sectors.
How do I make an administrative complaint to the Border Guard?
An administrative complaint is generally made in writing. You can use a specific administrative complaint form, but you can also make an informal complaint by mail or email.
Administrative complaint to the Finnish Border Guard (pdf)
Instructions for filling out the administrative complaint form (pdf)
Oral complaints are only processed for a special reason, such as if you are unable to present your case in writing due to health reasons.
The complaint should include at least the following minimum information:
- The complainant's name and contact information;
- The time and place of the misconduct or neglect;
- Details of the matter you are complaining about, i.e., what happened; and
- Justification, i.e., on what grounds you consider the conduct to be incorrect.
Anonymous complaints are not investigated without a special reason. Where necessary, an anonymous complaint may be processed as an official-initiated oversight matter if there is an objectively justifiable reason to do so.
A detailed account of the event and the timing of the misconduct or neglect is necessary for the matter to be investigated. Justifying the administrative complaint is necessary for the Finnish Border Guard to make an initial legal assessment of the matter and the required actions. If the matter is insufficiently specified, you may be asked to supplement your complaint.
Handling an administrative complaint is free of charge for you.
How do I submit the administrative complaint to the Finnish Border Guard?
The complaint can be sent by mail to the Finnish Border Guard Registry at Finnish Border Guard P.O. Box 3, 00131 HELSINKI, or by email to [email protected].
You can also submit the administrative complaint directly to the relevant administrative unit. Contact information for the administrative units can be found here.
All administrative complaints submitted to the Border Guard Registry are directed to the appropriate entity for handling. If you mistakenly submit your complaint to an administrative unit that does not have jurisdiction over the matter, it will be forwarded to the competent authority by the Border Guard.
If your complaint contains confidential or otherwise sensitive information, we recommend sending the complaint by mail or secure email. Such information may include details about income or assets, health status, arrest or detention, travel documents or the need for international protection, entry conditions, and residence permits or their basis.
How is the administrative complaint processed by the Border Guard?
You will be notified of the acceptance of your complaint for processing and given an estimate of the overall processing time.
Necessary information and reports are then obtained to resolve the matter. Generally, the subject of the complaint is asked for a report. If necessary, a statement may also be requested from their supervisor and/or the relevant administrative unit.
Finally, a written response to the complaint is provided, indicating the resolution of the matter and the grounds for the decision. The response is sent to both you and the Finnish Border Guard entity concerned.
If it is found that the subject of the complaint has acted improperly, the necessary administrative guidance is issued as part of the resolution of the administrative complaint. The resolution may, for example, draw the subject's attention to the requirements of good administration or inform them of the lawful conduct. If these measures are deemed insufficient, a warning may be issued. Administrative guidance resulting from the complaint can lead to changes in orders, instructions or procedures.
Sometimes the complaint may also lead to the matter being referred to another procedure prescribed by law instead of the administrative complaint procedure. Such a procedure could be a preliminary investigation or an administrative disciplinary procedure.
As a rule, an administrative complaint about an issue older than two years will not be investigated unless there is a special reason. Generally, issues older than five years are not handled.
Please note that an administrative complaint is not a means of appeal, and thus, the complaint authority cannot change or overturn an administrative act or decision made in your case.
No appeal can be made against the decision given in an administrative complaint matter.
Administrative complaints and processing them are regulated by Chapter 8a of the Administrative Procedure Act (434/2003).
On our web page, you will also find a feedback form, which is intended for providing feedback on the Finnish Border Guard or its actions: Give feedback.
Report your observations concerning cross-border crimes by filling in the Give a tip form: Give the Border Guard a tip.