The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has sent a list of names of around 1500 seasonal workers from abroad to the Border Guard that ministry officials say are key to maintaining the nation's security of supply.
Most of those foreign workers are needed by companies in the agricultural sector, but some are also expected to take up jobs in forestry and fishing. The list is a recommendation to the Border Guard based on information from the companies themselves.
The largest number of seasonal workers expected to arrive are from Ukraine. The list also includes seasonal workers from other EU countries like Romania, Bulgaria and the Baltic states.
According to the Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry, the Border Guard will make decisions on allowing foreign workers into the country on a case-by-case basis. Finland's borders have been closed to outsiders as part of the effort to contain the novel coronavirus since 19 March. Many other countries are also restricting the travel abroad of citizens, so the seasonal workers may have to first acquire permission to leave their home countries.
Home-grown labour needed too
If needed, charter flights will be organized to bring in seasonal workers from abroad. The costs will be covered either by employers or the workers themselves. All arrivals will be ordered into two weeks of quarantine, with employers carrying the responsibility of ensuring quarantine orders are observed.
"It's evident that with the growing season approaching, a group of 1500 will not be able to take care of more than just part of this spring's work. Suppliers should also use domestic labour," Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Jaana Husu-Kallio stated in a release on Tuesday.
According to Husu-Kallio, the 1,500 seasonal workers from abroad will ease the need for experienced workers on farms. Most are expected to be employed in management or other specialized positions.