The changes would increase maximum detention periods and lengthen entry bans for people ordered to leave the country.File photo from the Joutseno reception centre near Lappeenranta, in the east of Finland. Image: Kare Lehtonen / YleYle News11:47Finland has begun preparing legislative changes needed to implement the European Union's new Return Regulation, which aims to make it easier to remove people with no legal right to remain in the EU.The Ministry of the Interior said the reforms would tighten rules on detention and entry bans where national governments have discretion. Under the proposal, the maximum detention period during the return process would be extended to the longest period permitted under EU rules, while the maximum fixed-term entry ban would increase from 15 to 20 years.Some parts of the regulation are due to take effect in autumn 2026, with most provisions applying a year later.The EU Return Regulation forms part of the bloc's wider Pact on Migration and Asylum. It is intended to create a common European return system, give authorities additional powers and increase the number of people returned after receiving a final removal order.The regulation also allows EU member states to establish so-called return hubs in non-EU countries through bilateral agreements, although it does not require countries to do so.Finland said it will work with the Nordic countries and other partners to promote the model, which it says would help combat irregular migration and people smuggling while making returns more effective.Return hubs remain divisiveLast month, 19 EU countries backed a joint letter led by Denmark and Italy calling for tougher return policies, including the establishment of return hubs outside the EU. Finland did not sign the letter.At the time, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) said Finland had not taken part because the proposal had not been discussed within the government.While Finland did not sign the earlier political declaration, the ministry said the legislative project forms part of Finland's implementation of the new EU regulation and reflects the government's aim of speeding up the return of people who have no legal right to remain in the country.