A woman browsing open job positions on the Job Market Finland platform. Photo: Vesa Moilanen / Lehtikuva
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The Finland Chamber of Commerce has called on the government to initiate an independent study into the feasibility of implementing a points-based immigration system, citing long-term labour market needs and international competition for skilled workers.
The recommendation follows a proposal by the Swedish People’s Party (RKP), which the Chamber supports as a step towards a more structured and predictable immigration framework.
Suvi Pulkkinen, Senior Advisor for Skills and Immigration at the Finland Chamber of Commerce, said a well-designed model would help Finland remain competitive in attracting international talent.
“Finland needs a clear and predictable system that appeals to the most qualified professionals and helps them commit to staying,” Pulkkinen said.
She stressed that skills-based immigration plays a key role in addressing structural challenges in the Finnish labour market and in supporting integration of entire families.
According to Pulkkinen, Canada offers a functioning example. “In Canada, a whole family can be granted permanent residence immediately if the applicant’s language skills, education, and qualifications support integration into the labour market and society,” she said.
“This would help Finland retain top professionals, even during economic downturns when job openings are fewer, but the need for expertise persists.”
A recent report commissioned by the Chamber and Akava Works, titled The Immigration Social Contract, includes a model tailored for Finnish conditions. The model is intended to serve as a foundation for connecting points-based selection with existing legal frameworks.
“The government should now take this forward and commission an independent study to determine what kind of points-based model would suit Finland, and what its implementation would require in practice,” said Pulkkinen.
She noted that much preparatory work has already been done and could support the launch of the project without delay.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
