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Foreign wild-berry pickers arriving in Finland from outside the EU must now hold a seasonal work permit and apply separately for the right to medical treatment, according to updated guidance from Kela, the Finnish Social Insurance Institution.
The change marks a shift from previous practice, under which berry pickers typically entered on tourist visas and were only eligible for emergency care, which they had to pay for themselves.
The new requirement formally classifies them as seasonal workers, offering access to Finland’s public healthcare system on the same fee basis as local residents.
To qualify, non-EU berry pickers must first obtain a residence permit for seasonal work. Once granted, they may then apply to Kela for the right to medical treatment using form SV 139e. This right allows them to access necessary health services in Finland’s public system at local client fees, even if they are not registered residents in any Finnish municipality.
Kela said it does not automatically verify treatment eligibility for seasonal workers, making it essential that workers apply proactively.
If berry pickers wish to authorise their employer or another representative to manage the process or contact Kela on their behalf, they must provide a signed power of attorney. This can be done using form VAL 3e or a self-written authorisation.
The new process affects foreign workers hired for temporary roles in agriculture, horticulture, wild-berry picking, or tourism. These workers are officially regarded as seasonal workers under Finnish labour law.
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
