Central Chamber of Commerce urges Finland to revise foreign job seeker exit period during budget negotiations

The Central Chamber of Commerce is urging the government to revise the rules regarding the exit period for foreign job seekers during the upcoming budget negotiations. Currently set at 3-6 months, the proposed exit period should be changed to a 6-12 month job search period that job seekers can self-register for.

The Chamber and various business entities have consistently called for changes to the so-called three-month exit rule. According to Suvi Pulkkinen, a leading expert at the Central Chamber of Commerce, the budget negotiations would be an opportune time for the government to rethink its stance in light of the severe criticism it has received.

“The current model is harmful to Finland’s economy and detrimental to its image. Extending the protection period and transforming it into a job-search timeframe based on self-registration would demonstrate the government’s willingness to critically evaluate previous decisions and make necessary adjustments. More importantly, it would send a significant signal to the international talent residing in Finland,” Pulkkinen stated.

The Chamber also believes that the process of entering Finland should be streamlined by enhancing one-stop-shop services. Currently, the procedure is overly bureaucratic, requiring applicants to undergo physical identification at multiple authorities, which can lead to delays in securing appointments. Streamlining these services into a single access point would allow applicants to resolve all necessary matters in one visit, such as obtaining a personal identification number, tax card, and bank account, thereby enabling timely salary payments from employers.

The Central Chamber of Commerce emphasizes that the government should demonstrate concrete actions during the budget negotiations to enhance Finland’s attractiveness and inclusivity for foreign workers and their families.