The Finland Chamber of Commerce has called on the government to re-evaluate its plans to make a controversial change to Finland's labour market laws, which could see a foreign worker deported from the country if they are out of work for more than three months.
In a statement, the chamber said the length of time should be extended to between 6-12 months, and should begin when the person registers themselves as a jobseeker.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's (NCP) four-party, right-wing coalition will begin budget negotiations this week, which the chamber's Chief Specialist Suvi Pulkkinen said offers an excellent opportunity to reconsider the controversial proposal.
"The model now being proposed is harmful to the Finnish economy and harmful to its image. Extending the period and changing it to a job-seeking period, based on the jobseeker's own timeline, would show that the government has the self-confidence to critically examine its previous decisions and make the necessary changes to them. Above all, it would send an important signal to international specialists living in Finland," Pulkkinen said.
Finland's Minister of Employment Arto Satonen (NCP) confirmed to Yle last month that the government plans to push ahead with the law change, despite a consultation round showing there was widespread opposition to the proposal.
In addition to rethinking the three-month rule, Pulkkinen also called on the government to streamline the integration process, for example by introducing a 'one-stop shop' service, as the current system is "too bureaucratic".
"Currently, people entering the country are required to identify themselves with several different authorities in person, and it is not always easy to find available appointments. These services should be provided by a one-stop shop so that everything can be taken care of at once: the employee would receive a personal identity code, tax card and bank account," Pulkkinen said.
The Chamber of Commerce's statement further suggested that the government should demonstrate, via concrete measures, how it will promote Finland as an attractive place to work and live to international workers.
Many foreign workers already in Finland say they are concerned about the political and public discourse around immigration, with nearly 90 percent of respondents to one survey saying they were "worried" by how the topic is discussed in Finnish society.
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