Work-based migration to Finland drops, study-based ups

The number of work-based immigration to Finland reduced during the January-September period of this year while the number of immigrations based on study increased, according to a report published by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) on Thursday.

The number of applications for a first work-based residence permit submitted between January and September was 12,498. The number is 5% less than during the stipulated period of the previous year.

A total of 13,173 applications for work-based residence permit were submitted in the first nine month of the previous year.

The most common applicants of worked-based residence permit were citizens of Thailand, Philippines, India, China and Vietnam.

The number of applications for work-based permit has decreased despite the new permit requirements for wild-berry picker.

Wild-berry pickers were required to apply for a residence permit for the first time this year. This has contributed to the increase in the number of applications for a first work-based residence permit from citizens of Thailand.

There has been a significant drop in the number of applications from many other countries. The number of applications from citizens of Philippines, for example, has fallen by one-third.

“The drop in the number of applications for a residence permit for an employed person is likely affected by the general economic situation and by the reduction of international recruitment in health care and social services and in the construction industry. In particular, this can be seen in the number of applications from construction workers,” said Arto Niemi, Head of Information Services of Migri.

Labour migration to Finland from EU Member States is decreasing, too. In January–September this year, a total of 2,216 applications for EU registration were made on the basis of work. The number has dropped by about a fifth compared with last year (2,762).

“The situation in the construction industry is presumably affecting these numbers as well. The number of EU registrations made for Estonian citizens, for example, has decreased,” said Niemi.

The number of applications for a residence permit for a specialist submitted in January–September was only 978.

This is 24% less than during the same time period last year (1,292). If applications are submitted at a steady pace for the rest of the year, the expected number of applications for the whole year would be approximately 1,200. This would be the lowest number of such applications in 5 years, with the exception of the year 2020 when the number of applications dropped because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The reasons behind the fewer applications from specialists include the general economic situation, the intense global competition for international talent, and the exceptionally low number of applications from Russian citizens. Russian citizens have submitted only 54 applications for a residence permit for a specialist in January–September this year. During the same time period last year, Russian citizens submitted 228 applications,” said Niemi.

The number of applications from international students, 11,749 applications, is on a high level even this year.

The number of applications has increased by 9% compared with January–September last year (10,780). Especially citizens of Asian countries are applying for permits to study in Finland. The most common countries of nationality among applicants are Bangladesh, Nepal and India.

“The number of applications from citizens of Nepal has nearly doubled compared with last year, whereas the number of applications from Russian citizens has dropped, also in residence permits for studies. There has been a moderate increase in the number of exchange students since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Niemi said.

Last year, 89% of applicants who applied for a residence permit based on work or studies received a positive decision on their application.