Finland’s main business lobby group has called for a sharp increase in work-based immigration, warning that labour shortages risk slowing economic growth as the country’s population ages.
The Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) said Finland needs at least 45,000 net work-based migrants each year to meet demand from employers and support long-term growth.
Its director Ilkka Oksala said declining birth rates and a weakening dependency ratio are already affecting the labour market.
“Population development and the dependency ratio are weakening fast,” he said in a statement. “Companies are concerned about the availability of skilled labour when growth begins.”
The organisation set out 72 policy proposals aimed at increasing labour migration and improving integration. It said both highly skilled workers and those in basic roles are needed across sectors.
Among the measures is the removal of labour market testing, which requires employers to check for local candidates before hiring from abroad. The group said the rule delays recruitment and adds administrative burden.
It proposed that any job paying at least 1,600 euros a month should qualify a foreign worker for entry.
The group also called for faster residence permit processing. It said permits should be granted automatically if authorities fail to process applications within two weeks, or one week for specialist roles.
It proposed giving trusted employers the ability to register worker details directly with authorities to speed up tax and documentation procedures.
Another measure would extend the period that foreign workers can remain in Finland after losing a job. The group said an eight-month window would give time to find new employment.
It also proposed a new job-seeker visa. The visa would allow entry for job searches and enable work to begin once employment is secured. A points-based system would be used to assess applicants.
The proposals include changes to family and social policy. The group called for the abolition of home care allowance, arguing that it limits employment among migrant women and delays children entering early education.
Oksala said early education supports language development and later integration into society.
“Finland needs decisive immigration measures,” he said. “We must ensure that economic growth does not stall due to labour shortages.”
The group also addressed risks linked to labour migration. It called for stronger action against abuse and exploitation, including fines for employers who provide false information to authorities.
It said more resources should be allocated to enforcement and investigations.
The proposals come ahead of the next parliamentary term, with business groups seeking policy changes to address workforce gaps and demographic pressure.
HT