An office worker in Helsinki in July 2020. In Finland, the societal debate about immigration is regarded as worrying by as many as 89 per cent of international technology experts, reveals a survey by Academic Engineers and Architects in Finland (TEK) and the Union of Professional Engineers in Finland (IL). (Olivia Ranta – Lehtikuva)
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FINLAND faces an uphill battle to attract international talent, indicates a survey by Academic Engineers and Architects in Finland (TEK) and the Union of Professional Engineers in Finland (IL).
The societal debate about immigration, in particular, has given pause to a number of international technology experts working in the country, with as many as 89 per cent of the survey respondents describing the debate as worrying.
A little over half, or 52 per cent, of the participants said they would recommend the country as a place to live and work to others, whereas 81 per cent estimated that it was unlikely that the country would be a better place for migrants in five years time.
Altogether 1,000 English-speaking members of the two unions responded to the survey. Most of the respondents are employed in an expert capacity on a permanent basis and have resided in the country already for several years. Forty per cent of them had moved to the country for work, 38 per cent for studies and 18 per cent for family reasons.
Less than a quarter, or 23 per cent, of respondents had been unemployed in the past 18 months.
“The situation is unsustainable,” Juhani Nokela, the director of public affairs at TEK, stated in a press release on Tuesday. “Finland is driving out the very people who are creating future economic growth here. It’s pointless for decision-makers to make fine speeches if the international experts living here see the reality as so chilling.”
The survey is not the first to cast doubt over the country’s ability to appeal to skilled labour amid growing competition. In July, Finland came in third to last in a survey of the expat experience in 53 countries around the world – representing a collapse of 35 spots from the previous iteration of the survey by Internations, Expat Insider.
The erosion of the country image has stirred up concerns among employers. The Technology Industries of Finland has warned that Finland will pay a high price for the adoption of increasingly anti-immigration policies.
Maria Jauhiainen, a lawyer at IL, on Tuesday reminded that the global competition for skilled labour is intense.
“You can’t take part in it by eyeing foreigners suspiciously from your cabin. The ability to attract and recruit international experts is key,” she emphasised.
Finland does also have traits that drew praise from international technology experts, highlighted IL and TEK. For example, most of the survey respondents stated that they feel equal at the workplace with native-born employees and over two-thirds that they are well integrated to life in Finland.
Employees who have a family and work in senior positions were more likely to consider themselves well integrated to society.
While 54 per cent of respondents said they intend to stay permanently in Finland, 35 per cent stated that they will probably move elsewhere later and 6 per cent that they plan to move elsewhere as soon as possible.
“Finland offers a great environment for children in terms of safety, activities and quality education,” elaborated one respondent who is planning on staying permanently. “I feel that I have the same values as people in Finland. I also value the environment, security and respect for human rights,” commented another.
“Current government proposals are unwelcoming for immigrants, regardless of their education and skills,” explained one respondent who is planning to leave as soon as possible. “Poor economic situation, very limited career development prospects,” said another.
On the other hand, over 40 per cent of respondents reported that they have experienced discrimination in recruitment, with their would-be employers rejecting them on grounds that they do not have sufficient Finnish skills or that the Finnish labour market does not value experience or qualifications obtained abroad.
Experiences of discrimination were common especially for people from Asia and Africa.
Almost half, or 47 per cent, of respondents have a post-graduate university degree in engineering, 14 per cent a bachelor degree in engineering, 10 per cent a university degree in another field and 12 per cent a doctorate degree. Four in ten of respondents had obtained their degree in Finland.
“A good command of English should be enough to get started on finding a job. Employers must offer Finnish language teaching, which is the best way to integrate into Finland. The use of anonymous recruitment would also certainly reduce unconscious discrimination,” listed Nokela.
The survey respondents represent over 70 nationalities, the largest nationality groups being Russians, Indians and Iranians. Over 60 per cent of them are based in the capital region and 15 per cent in Häme or Pirkanmaa.
Aleksi Teivainen – HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
