Employment Minister Marttinen launches study on points-based models for work-based immigration. Photo: Vesa Moilanen / Lehtikuva
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Matias Marttinen, Finland’s Minister of Employment, has launched a study into international points-based immigration systems, Yle reported on Saturday.
The study will examine models used in countries including Canada, Australia, Austria and Germany. These systems assess how likely an applicant is to succeed in the job market, based on criteria such as skills, education and work experience.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will conduct the research, with a white paper expected by summer 2026. The findings may serve as the basis for future reforms to employment-based immigration rules.
Marttinen told the Finnish news agency STT that the government would consider further action once the report is published. He acknowledged that the current government term ends in 2027, leaving limited time to introduce new legislation before the next election cycle.
Two of the four governing parties have supported introducing a points-based model. The proposal has faced internal disagreement. Riikka Purra, the Finance Minister and leader of the Finns Party, has expressed opposition to the idea.
Marttinen, a member of the National Coalition Party, said the initiative was not tied to any single party’s platform.
“Finland needs labour-based immigration,” Marttinen said in the interview. “It is important to ensure that Finnish companies can recruit international experts for tasks where local talent is lacking. At the same time, immigration policy must be sustainable.”
He took over as employment minister in May, replacing Arto Satonen, who stepped down as part of a planned mid-term handover agreed during government formation talks in 2023.
The study will focus on how comparable countries use structured criteria to guide labour migration and how such models affect integration and employment outcomes.
Points-based systems typically rank applicants based on predefined factors. Countries like Canada and Australia have used them to attract skilled workers to fill labour shortages in key sectors. Finland is considering whether similar criteria could help meet local labour demand while ensuring long-term economic and social stability.
The government has not yet committed to introducing a points-based system. The white paper is intended to provide data for further policy discussions.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
