A skills shortage has been identified as one of the key challenges to growth and internationalisation by many social and health care companies, according to the Ministry of the Interior.
The Finnish government unveiled its policy programme for promoting employment-based immigration to Finland on Thursday.
Finland, it estimates, needs immigrants to respond to the labour shortage that is affecting several industrial sectors, to improve the dependency ratio that is eroding because of population ageing, and to enhance its appeal in the eyes of foreign employees and businesses.
“Competition for international talent has become so fierce that it is necessary to ensure a smooth residence permit process in addition to fostering the other factors that affect how [foreign employees] settle in the country,” reads a press release from the Ministry of the Interior.
“Increasing electronic services, for example, is of great significance in that regard.”
Finland, it says, must adopt well-defined long-term objectives if it is to successfully attract skilled foreign workers amidst the ever-intensifying global competition.
The policy programme consequently outlines measures not only to increase employment-based immigration but also to promote the integration of foreign employees and foster good relations between various population groups. It also includes measures designed to enable the more effective recognition and utilisation of the labour potential of the existing immigrant population in Finland.
The Ministry of the Interior estimates that integration services that take entire families into consideration are key for promoting the well-being of foreign employees in Finland.
The country, it adds, can also enhance its appeal in the eyes of foreign businesses and employees by fostering a positive attitudinal climate and well-functioning relations between various population groups.
“Immigrants’ efficiency, productivity and well-being at the workplace depend on whether or not they feel part of the work community and have experienced discrimination,” it explains.
Aleksi Teivainen – HT Photo: Vesa Moilanen – Lehtikuva
