Finnish gov’t insists on re-employment rule for foreign workers

Government’s Stance on Foreign Workers in Finland

The government under Prime Minister Petteri Orpo is standing firm on a proposal that would require foreign workers to leave Finland if they remain unemployed for three to six months. Despite criticism regarding the impact on the country’s international appeal, Minister of Employment Arto Satonen defends Finland as an attractive destination for talent based on statistics.

In a recent survey by Expat Insider, Finland ranked 51st out of 53 countries, with Satonen arguing that comparisons to other countries like Canada and Germany are unfair due to different factors like cost of living and taxes. The proposal has faced backlash from various organizations, including concerns from technology experts about the direction of immigration policies.

Satonen maintains that the re-employment requirements align with Nordic standards, with countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Norway having similar mechanisms. Despite criticism, he believes that Finland’s work-based immigration is essential for the country’s demographic future.

In the midst of the ongoing debate, the government remains resolute in its position, emphasizing the importance of work-based immigration for Finland’s workforce.