Study Finds Finnish Companies Could Gain from Hiring Foreign Workers
Key Insights: Study Highlights Benefits of Foreign Workers for Finnish Companies
- Hiring foreign workers in Finland could boost the country's industries and increase exports.
- A recent study found that foreign-born workers made up 6.7% of Finland's population in 2023.
- Discrimination may be a factor limiting the employment of immigrants in Finnish companies.
Foreign Workers Could Strengthen Finland’s Industrial Sector
A new study by the Finnish Institute of Economic Research (ETLA) suggests that employing foreign workers can significantly benefit Finnish industrial companies, particularly by enhancing total exports.
Despite this potential, the report notes that Finland still lags behind other Western countries in integrating foreign-born employees into its workforce, signaling the need for further efforts to address the issue.
Foreign Employment Correlates with Export Growth
Since the 1990s, Finland’s immigrant population has steadily increased, reaching 6.7% of the total population in 2023.
According to the study, hiring foreign workers can lead to a measurable increase in exports while sustaining long-term positive effects. Additionally, the presence of foreign employees can expand the range of export products, as companies become more inclined to explore trade opportunities in their workers’ countries of origin.
"Our findings indicate that measures promoting immigrant employment—especially in export-driven industries—can have a positive impact on business performance and international trade. Foreign workers help build global trade links, particularly with their home countries," said Terhi Maczulskij, Research Manager at ETLA.
However, the study also points out that Finland’s relatively low number of foreign workers may be due in part to ethnic discrimination in hiring practices—an issue that Maczulskij stresses must be addressed.
Finland Moves Towards Stricter Immigration Policies
In recent years, Finnish authorities have considered tightening requirements for foreigners seeking permanent residence permits. The proposed changes stem from concerns about immigrant integration into Finnish society.
"The government program aims to encourage immigrants to follow Finnish societal rules, secure employment, and learn the language. Successful integration would be a prerequisite for obtaining a permanent residence permit," explained Interior Minister Mari Rantanen.
The new regulations would introduce stricter criteria, including a minimum income requirement, proof of education and language skills, and at least six years of continuous residence in Finland to qualify for permanent residency.