Foreign tech professionals in Finland face worsening prospects

By admin On Aug 28, 2025

Photo: ICPonline

International technology experts living in Finland report increasing concerns over discrimination, poor job prospects, and a deteriorating social climate, according to a new survey published by TEK and The Union of Professional Engineers in Finland.

The 2025 report, based on 756 responses from professionals representing more than 70 nationalities, shows a decline in nearly every indicator compared to the 2024 survey. Most respondents were highly educated, with three in four holding at least a master’s degree and nearly half having completed their studies in Finland.

Employment remains relatively strong, with 72% in permanent positions. But the share of unemployed respondents more than doubled to 7%, and fewer respondents now believe they can influence their job market position or build a long-term career in Finland. Among those who had been unemployed, two-thirds had experienced joblessness for more than six months.

Job hunting remains challenging. Personal networks remain the most effective route to employment, used by 41% of respondents. However, Finnish language requirements and limited networks were cited as the most significant barriers. Respondents also criticised hidden job markets and unrealistic hiring standards, including preference for candidates with Finnish names or backgrounds.

Only 17% of foreign professionals said they feel equal to Finnish candidates when applying for jobs. In the workplace, 52% felt mostly or always equal to native employees, a decrease from the 64% reported in 2024. Open responses highlighted experiences of racism, exclusion, and being treated as less competent despite qualifications.

Finnish language was again the most cited obstacle. Respondents said it limits access to job opportunities, career progression, and inclusion in social life. Some noted that even in English-speaking workplaces, social and internal communication remains largely in Finnish. Requests for employer-supported language study during work hours were frequent.

Nearly half of respondents said they feel poorly integrated socially, although work-life integration was slightly better. Just 47% felt integrated in both spheres. Women were more likely to feel socially integrated, while men were more likely to report poor integration overall.

Employer support for integration remains weak. Only 20% of respondents said they received as much help as they needed. Most said that translation tools and multicultural workplaces had been the most useful support. Buddy systems, relocation services, and mentoring were the least common or effective forms of assistance.

General views of Finland also continued to decline. Only 44% of respondents would recommend Finland as a destination for international experts, down from 52% the year before. Just 45% believed Finland enjoys a good reputation among skilled foreign workers. Over 80% expressed concern about the national immigration policy debate.

Respondents from outside the EU were more likely to cite plans to leave Finland, particularly those who lived alone. Just under half of all respondents planned to stay permanently, while 12% said they would leave as soon as possible or within the year.

Family remains the strongest reason to stay. Those with Finnish spouses or children cited the healthcare and education systems as attractive. But employment insecurity, lack of integration, and discrimination were common push factors. Respondents also pointed to lower salaries, high taxes, and limited career opportunities compared to other countries.

The tone of many open responses has grown more negative. Several described feeling unwelcome despite years of contribution to Finland’s economy and society. Some said they no longer believed they would ever be accepted, even with citizenship.

One respondent wrote: “I have given my all to this country so much that I became a citizen. In the last few years, I now feel not wanted here.” Others expressed concern that Finland’s policies are discouraging highly skilled talent from staying or arriving.

Still, many cited Finland’s safety, nature, and public services as reasons to remain, even amid professional and social dissatisfaction.

The report concludes that Finland is losing its appeal to international experts, and warns that the country must improve labour market equality, social inclusion, and the immigration debate to remain competitive for global talent.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi