Berry companies in Finland are seeking to hire 1,000 Thai pickers despite the suspension of visas.
SUMMARY
• Finnish berry companies aim to recruit 1,000 Thai pickers this summer despite the suspension of visa issuance.
• Concerns over human trafficking led to Finland's decision to halt berry-picking visa applications from Thais.
• The Finnish Immigration Service is considering changes to grant work permits to 1,000-2,000 Thai pickers for the current season.
Finnish berry companies are endeavoring to hire at least 1,000 Thai berry pickers on work contracts this year, despite the government's decision to suspend berry-picking visa applications from Thailand for the summer.
Birgitta Partanen, director of the Arctic Flavors Association, highlighted industry shortages and the need to ensure berry harvests are not left unpicked, motivating efforts to recruit Thai pickers.
Responding to complaints from Finnish berry companies, the Finnish Immigration Service is exploring adjustments to allow the hiring of 1,000 to 2,000 berry pickers for the current season, granting them work permits.
Additional Thai berry pickers would alleviate pressure on Finnish berry companies and prevent berry wastage.
However, an official decision is pending on whether Thai berry pickers will be employed this season.
Partanen emphasized the need to address issues before hiring berry pickers, including Thailand's request for information on past treatment of Thai workers in Finland.
Historically, Thai workers have harvested up to 90% of Finland's wild berry crops, underscoring their importance to the industry and the potential impact of the current shortage.
Finland Suspends Visas for Thai Berry Pickers for Second Consecutive Year
In March of this year, Finland suspended visa applications for Thai, Cambodian, and Myanmar berry pickers for the second consecutive year, citing concerns over human trafficking.
The Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted suspicions of human trafficking among Thai berry pickers with hundreds believed to be affected.
To safeguard Thai berry pickers from exploitation, Finland halted berry-picking visa issuance to them. However, Thais remain eligible for seasonal work in Finland, with the option to apply for seasonal workers' visas. Those planning a stay of less than 90 days do not require a residence permit, while longer-term workers must obtain one upon arrival.