Fewer Foreigners Are Applying for Finland Work Permits, Country Fears Shortages

Finnish authorities have reported that fewer work permit applications are being filed each year, with the total number of such permits granted reaching 11,000 in 2024. Compared to 2023, this number is down by 4,000 applications and even 5,000 below the 2023 levels.

According to the labour federation Akava, Finland issued 42,200 residence permits in 2023, showing that there were 6,700 fewer applications than in the previous year, Schengen.News reports. 

Tomi Husa, an Akava Expert has revealed that the decrease in work permits has continued for two years now, with the social and healthcare professions being most affected.

IT Specialists Remain the Group With Most Work Permits Granted in Finland 
As Husa pointed out, the IT sector continues to receive most work permits, which is also reflected in a higher demand for foreign labour.

Immigration could really be of use to Finland, as a new study has found that foreign employees could be beneficial for Finnish companies prompting them to experience growth in total exports.

Yet, Finland is set to introduce tighter regulations for foreigners who want to relocate to the country, or to those seeking to obtain residence permits. Tighter rules are also enforced on applicants for citizenship. 

Akava represents the Trade Union Confederation for higher education graduates and has a goal to increase immigration to Finland for workers, especially highly-skilled ones. As Yle reports, the confederation believes that the number of international specialists in the country should triple. 

Trade Union Confederation Pushes for Easier Rules for Permanent Residence Permits 
According to Maria Löfgren, Akava’s President, foreigners who have completed their studies in Finland should be granted permanent residence permits.

She made these remarks after the data revealed that the number of residence permit applications to Finland is decreasing, which implies that fewer foreigners are picking Finland as their destination for work, study or relocation.

Source: https://schengen.news/fewer-foreigners-are-applying-for-finland-work-permits-country-fears-shortages/