Joint statement by the Finnish Startup Community: Finland must be the world’s best country for talent – the government programme undermines this goal
In the run-up to the parliamentary elections, there was considerable discussion about how to make Finland an attractive place for top talent. It does not suffice to simply be a good and attractive country – we must be the best in the world.
The government programme made advances on work-based immigration, such as a one-week time frame for skilled talent to be granted a work permit. While this is a step forward, alone it falls short of positioning Finland as the most attractive destination for international talent.
The section on immigration in the new government programme creates a significant threat to the entire Finnish startup ecosystem and undermines the growth prospects of the Finnish economy.
Likely, the intentions of the proposed provisions were to introduce a sense of stringency. However, the approaches outlined in the program do not correspond in any way to the intended objectives. On the contrary, the strictures set out in the programme paints an unwelcoming image of Finland as a country hostile to foreigners – including those already working here. Work-based immigration is of paramount importance to Finland, considering our ageing population and shortage of workers. Failing to address this issue, will undeniably position us unfit to sustain our country in the future. According to estimates, there is a substantial demand for tens of thousands of migrant workers annually. It is imperative that we implement conscious and tangible measures to position ourselves as an appealing alternative to other nations.
The Finnish Startup Community stated in its goals that the government programme should include a clear two-week service guarantee, that includes all essential services that a migrant worker might need when moving to Finland from abroad. These services should encompass work permits, assistance in opening bank accounts, and support in securing English-based school placements for their children. It is crucial to streamline these services through a centralized one-stop system. France, which boasts the largest startup ecosystem in Europe, has successfully achieved this by taking deliberate and concrete action.
The immigration section of the government programme dilutes even the best ambitions
The proposed government program includes concerning provisions that have raised alarm among numerous specialized experts currently employed in Finland. Regrettably, there are already reports of skilled foreign workers residing in Finland contemplating their departure from the country.
Perhaps the most striking is the proposed provision requiring a migrant to leave the country have they not been offered a new employment within three months of being laid off. While anyone would certainly aspire to find employment as quickly as possible, this three month timeframe is remarkably short for finding a position matching one’s skills, going through the interview process and signing a new contract – especially during an economic downturn. Adopting such stringent conditions that would result in the departure of foreign talent, is not in Finland’s best interest. There is a real risk of inadvertently pushing out highly skilled professionals who have already made substantial tax contributions to Finland in previous years, only to have them redirect their tax obligations to other countries upon their departure. Denmark, frequently cited in relation to humanitarian immigration, follows suit with a corresponding six-month timeframe.
Moreover, there is an alarming proposal to increase the mandatory residency period for attaining a permanent residence permit in Finland from the existing four years to a proposed six-year duration. In addition to the other requirements already in place, one would have to demonstrate sufficient language skills to obtain a permanent residence permit. Highly skilled professionals predominantly operate in English, and a six-year waiting period for a permanent residence permit, particularly for individuals with families, is a considerable duration. These are individuals who have already made considerable tax contributions to the Finnish treasury.
Time to wake up! The Government must correct the provisions that undermine Finland’s attractiveness in recruiting foreign talent. Let us pave the way for our economy to flourish and transform Finland into the global epicenter for foreign talent and thriving businesses.On behalf of this matter,
Riikka Pakarinen, CEO, Finnish Startup Community
Ilkka Paananen, CEO, Supercell
Miki Kuusi, CEO, Wolt
Mikael Thuneberg, CEO, Supermetrics
Sami Marttinen, CEO, Swappie
Sammeli Sammalkorpi, CEO, Sievo
Antti Nivala, CEO, M-Files
Kalle Törmä, CEO, Flowhaven
Oskari Saarenmaa, CEO, Aiven
Rafal Modrzewski, CEO, ICEYE
Kristo Ovaska, Founder and Board Member, Smartly
Mika Tammenkoski, CEO, Metacore
Matti Räty, Vice President, Engineering UnityAds EMEA
Chris Thür, CEO, Yousician
Juha Vartiainen, Co-founder and COO, IQM
Mikko Kärkkäinen, CEO, RELEX Solutions
Katri Junna, CEO, Netlight Consulting
Simo Leisti, Group CEO, Futurice
Sampo Pasanen, CEO, Reaktor
Ossi Lindroos, President and CEO, Solita
Mikael Nylund, CEO, Gofore
Julius Manni, CEO, Vincit
Tomi Pienimäki, CEO, Siili Solutions
Olli Auvinen, CEO, Nitor
Mikko Hämäläinen, CEO, Druid
Tatu Kuivalahti, CEO, Custobar
Jari Still, Chair of the Board, SW4E
The article has been updated on 16.8.2023.