Finnish Labor Minister Arto Satonen addresses labor-based immigration concerns at media event in Helsinki

Finnish Labor Minister Arto Satonen met with media representatives today to discuss necessary measures to accelerate labor-based immigration in the coming years. This initiative comes in response to growing criticism regarding the government’s tightening stance on the position of immigrants.

During the event, new statistics were presented on Finland’s appeal to foreign students and workers from outside the EU. Satonen acknowledged that Finland is an attractive destination for education and employment, although only around half of those who study in Finland stay in the country after graduating. He emphasized the importance of retaining these individuals and revealed plans for a regulation that would grant permanent residency to those who complete master’s degrees in Finland and pass language proficiency tests in Finnish or Swedish.

The overall picture indicates a modest increase in the number of foreign students and seasonal workers interested in Finland, particularly in sectors like cleaning, industry, and care services. However, applications for initial permits from specialists have decreased, making it increasingly challenging to attract new skilled workers. Satonen pointed out that Finland faces global competition for top talent but does not support any quotas for labor-based immigration, highlighting the variable demand across different sectors.

In the first half of 2024, over 9,000 people applied for their first work-based residence permit, compared to nearly 8,800 in the previous year, with significant growth in seasonal work applications. However, initial permit applications from specialized professionals dropped to just over 600 from more than 900 the year before.

Concerns have also been raised about the government’s proposal to require a minimum income threshold of €1,600 for foreign workers, which would further complicate their status in Finland and could lead to deportations if they do not secure employment within specified timeframes.