Nurses at work with computers at a nurse station in Kainuu Central Hospital in Kajaani. LEHTIKUVA
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A proposed law requiring unemployed foreign workers to leave Finland within three months is drawing criticism from business leaders, who say the measure will weaken Finland’s position on the global labour market and reduce the country’s ability to attract and retain international talent.
The Finnish Chamber of Commerce said the rule is especially harmful now, as unemployment is at a record high and jobless periods have grown longer.
The law, which Parliament is scheduled to vote on today, would affect a growing number of foreign workers who otherwise have a strong chance of re-employment and of contributing to Finnish society.
“The government’s proposal sends the wrong message to skilled workers living in Finland. It undermines efforts to promote work-based immigration,” said Suvi Pulkkinen, Senior Advisor for Skills and Immigration at the Finnish Chamber of Commerce. “With an ageing population and declining birth rate, Finland cannot afford to waste opportunities to secure a competitive edge in the global talent market.”
The current proposal would require a foreign national to leave Finland within three months of unemployment, unless they secure new employment or obtain a new residence permit. Employers would also face new reporting obligations under the law.
The Chamber of Commerce has proposed extending the job search period to between six and twelve months and basing it on a self-declaration by the jobseeker, rather than increasing employers’ administrative burden.
“A three-month period is too short to find new employment, especially in the current economic climate,” Pulkkinen said. “Recruitment processes often take longer. This change introduces uncertainty for exactly the kind of professionals Finland needs most.”
The draft law itself acknowledges that the measure may reduce Finland’s appeal among international professionals and discourage highly educated workers from relocating. It could also undermine Finland’s competitiveness in the global race for skilled labour.
“Without international experts, startups won’t get launched and our ageing population won’t receive the care it needs. This is a risk to the sustainability of the welfare state,” Pulkkinen said. “Even if there is currently a surplus of labour, that could change quickly. Integration and language learning take time — this is exactly why we should be holding on to top talent, not pushing them out.”
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
