The Finnish Chamber of Commerce has expressed concerns over the government’s proposed three-month exit rule for international talent, warning it could undermine Finland’s economic future by sending the wrong message to skilled workers. With a rapidly aging population and declining birth rates, Finland can’t afford to alienate the talent it desperately needs, according to Suvi Pulkkinen, Senior Expert at the Chamber.
Today, the Finnish Parliament is set to discuss the government’s proposal regarding the removal rule for international workers. The Chamber has previously recommended extending the job search period from the proposed 3-6 months to a more reasonable 6-12 months to give individuals adequate time to secure new employment.
“Three months is simply too short for finding a new job. Many recruitment processes take far longer, and this rule creates uncertainty for the very talent Finland needs,” Pulkkinen noted.
The urgency of attracting skilled workers is underscored by recent data from Statistics Finland, which shows the country’s population could plummet within 20 years without immigration. Meanwhile, Finland is accumulating debt at a rate of €12 million per year, and this trajectory is unlikely to change without a larger workforce. A survey by the Chamber in fall 2024 found that 59% of companies feel the lack of skilled labor is stifling business growth.
“It doesn’t take a genius to see that Finland’s welfare state is heading for a crash if we don’t invest in attracting international talent. Without these skilled workers, startups won’t get off the ground, and our elderly won’t be cared for,” Pulkkinen warned.
Concerns Over Family Stability and Global Competitiveness
Pulkkinen did commend the government for conducting a thorough impact assessment of the proposal. The assessment acknowledged the potential harm the rule could cause to both workers and their families, noting that “the three-month rule may create uncertainty about staying in Finland, which could make it harder for families to settle and integrate.” It also pointed out that “stricter conditions may deter highly educated workers from coming to Finland, weakening the country’s competitiveness in the global talent market.”
Given these risks, the Chamber of Commerce is urging lawmakers to refine the proposal during parliamentary debate.
“If someone is in the middle of a job suitability assessment or trying to establish a startup, it makes no sense to force them to leave in the middle of the process. Nor should families be uprooted during a child’s school year,” Pulkkinen emphasized.
Call for a Complete Rethink of the Exit Rule
The Chamber of Commerce believes that instead of tinkering with the exit rule, it should be scrapped entirely. Pulkkinen called for a more collaborative approach, suggesting the job search period be revisited with input from experts and stakeholders.
“Now is the time to put ideology aside and focus on what’s best for the country,” Pulkkinen concluded.
HT