Migri office sign. Photo: Migri.
The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) reports a 5 percent decrease in work-based residence permit applications from January to September 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Specialist permit applications have dropped the most, down by 24 percent.
Migri processed 12,498 applications this year, down from 13,173 last year. Economic challenges and less international hiring in healthcare and construction are key reasons, says Arto Niemi, Migri’s Head of Information Services.
The most applications came from citizens of Thailand, the Philippines, India, China, and Vietnam. However, applications from some countries have declined sharply, with applications from Filipino citizens down by one third.
With unemployment over 8 percent—one of the highest rates in the EU—Finland urgently needs more foreign workers, particularly in healthcare. Yet stricter immigration policies and negative attitudes are impacting Finland’s appeal. A recent tech industry survey found nearly 90 percent of foreign workers are concerned about Finland’s immigration debate, and only half would recommend living and working in the country.
If these trends continue, 2024 may see the lowest number of specialist permit applications in five years, which could hurt Finland’s efforts to attract needed talent for growth.
Read more from ScandAsia: Finland falling behind in attracting foreign workers from Asia