“Businesses have consistently told policymakers that the bureaucracy surrounding relocation to Finland needs to be reduced, and it's great to see progress on this front,” said Suvi Pulkkinen, a Senior Specialist at the Finland Chamber of Commerce.

However, the Chamber also noted that the government’s decision to cut an additional €20 million from vocational education, along with reductions in integration programs, is troubling. Despite the difficult economic outlook, companies still face a skills shortage, particularly for vocational professionals.

“The opportunities to develop skills, learn the language, and receive quality education should be strengthened rather than reduced. Without skilled workers and effective integration, the talent shortage could become a bottleneck for future growth,” Pulkkinen warned.

The Chamber also advocated for extending the "three-month rule," which requires foreign workers to leave Finland if they lose their job, to 6-12 months. Additionally, they called for the removal of the employer reporting requirement, but no changes were made to these regulations during the budget negotiations.

“It’s disappointing that the government clings to this proposal, which few experts support. There’s still a chance to reconsider,” Pulkkinen added.

HT