Research and legislation changes promote migrant integration and access to the labour market in Finland

The ecosystem of labour migration: international recruitment from the Philippines to Finland

A report published by the Migration Institute of Finlandanalyses the international labour market ecosystem of the Philippines from an international recruitment standpoint. It examines Philippine-Finland labour recruitment, outlining key actors, integration needs, clear worker information, risks like debt traps, sector-specific requirements, and the need for strong regulation and fair, sustainable partnerships.

New unemployment legislation for third-country nationals

Finland introduced a three/six-month unemployment rulefor third-country national (TCN) holders of work-based residence permits, defining how long they can remain unemployed without losing their right to stay in the country. Certain specialists and people who have worked in Finland for more than two years now have six months to secure new employment, while others have three months. During that time, their residence permit will not be cancelled. The scope of the right to work under a residence permit has also been broadened, to facilitate re-employment.

The regulation aligns with EU requirements on minimum job-seeking periods. It applies exclusively to work-based residence permits for TCNs and does not affect permanent residence permits, student or family permits, nor does it concern EU or Finnish citizens. International graduates can receive job-seeking permits for up to two years, supporting post-study retention.

Government plans introduction of citizenship test

As part of stricter naturalisation rules, Finland is considering a citizenship testto assess and strengthen migration integration. A final decision has not yet been made: a draft report was published by a cross-administrative working groupset up by the Ministry of the Interior outlining content and implications of the test, and the government will take into account other upcoming reports and findings to inform next steps.

Access to healthcare reforms for undocumented migrants

Following the expansion of healthcare rights for undocumented migrants in 2023 in Finland, the Finnish government is implementing comprehensive reformwhich restricts access to non-urgent medical services for this group while preserving access to emergency care.

Comprehensive healthcare provisions will remain in place for pregnant women and children, including the continuation of treatments initiated during childhood into adulthood.

Government report examines labour market access for second-generation migrants

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment commissioned a report by Akhlaq Ahmadexamining how second-generation immigrants experience job searches in Finland.

The report finds that between 2016 and 2024, applicants with Somali and Iraqi backgrounds saw notable increases in interview callbacks, while those for applicants with a Russian background stagnated. The findings highlight ongoing ethnic biases in some cases as well as gradual improvements, demonstrating progress in inclusion and offering guidance for policy, employers, and further research.

Migrant integration report analyses language competence among migrants

Helsinki-based think tank Magma published a report analysing uptake and provision of Swedish language learning to migrants in Finland, noting that language comprehension should be considered as one essential aspect of integration alongside access to services, education, and social networks.

In Finland, integration can occur via two official languages: 87% of the population speaks Finnish, and 5% Swedish. The government has set a goal for 5-10% of immigrants to follow the Swedish-language path.