As of 11 June, changes in Finnish residence law came into force, which will more closely link work licence to abroad professional activity. The fresh rules require persons employed under the licence to find a fresh employer within 3 months of the termination of the erstwhile contract.
If the foreigner does not find fresh employment within 3 months of the conclusion of the erstwhile contract and there are no another valid grounds for residence (e.g. due to studies or household reunification), his residence licence will be revoked and return procedures will be initiated against him – that is, he must leave Finland
This solution means a crucial sealing of the existing regulations – anyone who wants to hold the right of legal residence must not only keep employment, but besides respond rapidly to changes in the labour market. With this clear timeframe, both workers and the state administration are gaining a clear way of monitoring the situation – migrants know how much time they gotta take another occupation and the migration office can verify their position more rapidly and, if necessary, respond adequately to the circumstances.
Flexibility for qualified professionals
The Finnish legislator realises that the advanced technology, wellness or engineering sector requires circumstantial competences, frequently hard to replace. Therefore, for those working in jobs requiring advanced cognition and unique qualifications, the period for uncovering fresh employment has been extended to six months. specified a regulatory structure shows that Finland is trying to balance firm enforcement with the request to keep economical competitiveness and continuity of specialised staff projects. For employers, this means more certainty that if a key expert leaves abruptly, they have time to organise recruitment without compromising their current tasks. In turn, the specialists themselves can number on a safe transitional period in which they can negociate the terms of the fresh contract peacefully alternatively of risking losing their right to reside.
Transparency of procedures and greater efficiency
The fresh law introduces an work for the employer to immediately notify the termination of the employment relationship, up to 14 days after the termination of the contract. This step aims to destruct “dead periods” in which foreigners would not have regulated position and the migration office would not have any information about changing their situation. In parallel, it is planned to print a list of sectors and professions with the top shortages of staff, which will let fast retraining of people already residing in Finland without having to re-apply for a completely fresh permit. As a result, the introduction of the law will not only be a tool of repression, but will be a support for a dynamically developing economy where request for selected workers grows overnight.
Perspectives and relevance for the labour market
These changes form part of the EU guidelines on coordination of residence rights and migration policies, while responding to the real needs of the Finnish economy. By setting precise deadlines for uncovering fresh employment and introducing clearly defined financing and reporting procedures, Finland is committed to fair competition and protection of the interests of both citizens and residents. For migrants, it is simply a clear signal that staying in Finland involves an work to participate actively in the labour market, but besides a warrant of support in the event of unexpected changes in employment. Thanks to the fresh regulations, the Finnish labour marketplace is to be more flexible, but safe – for both employers and people seeking a unchangeable career way in Finland.
Political situation
As of 20 June 2023. Finland is governed by a coalition of 4 parties led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo of the National Coalition (Kokoomis). The fresh government, called Orpo's cabinet, gathered 109 out of 200 seats in Eduskunt, ensuring a unchangeable parliamentary majority. Since 1 March 2024 president Alexander Stubb, elected in a February vote with the support of 51.6% of voters, besides representing the National Coalition.
The Finn organization (Perussuomalaiset) ranked second in the 2023 parliamentary election, winning 46 seats. As a number partner in the coalition, it presently has 7 of the 19 ministerial seats, including key ministries: home affairs (responsible for migration policy) and justice. The leader of the group is Riikka Purra, who stresses the request to tighten immigration rules and border controls. Thanks to strong field organization and strong rhetoric, the organization has gained crucial influence on the form of the current immigration policy.
In practice, the coalition presence of the Finn organization is reflected in a joint programme, which includes strengthening asylum procedures, shortening the validity of residence permits and stricter conditions for granting social benefits to foreigners. The Minister of Interior for Perussuomalaiset monitors the implementation of the fresh legislation, which straight translates into border policy – tightening up controls, fast referral procedures and precise criteria for granting work permits.
Although the Finn organization in fresh local elections saw a decline in support, it remains a key player in the ruling coalition. The main opposition parties include Social Democrats, the Center Party, the Alliance of Left and Greens, criticising the coalition's sharp stance on migration and cuts in social spending. Despite the increasing force from the left, Perussuomalaiset continues to form the debate on border sovereignty, making them an crucial link to parliamentary stableness and a decisive vote on the future of Finland's immigration policy.
