Finland drives out international experts

The societal debate on immigration is a major source of concern for international experts in the field of technology, with as many as 89% finding the immigration debate worrying. Only 52% of the international tech experts surveyed would recommend Finland as a place to live and work.

International experts have little faith in the future. As many as 81% of respondents disagreed with the statement Finland will be a better place for immigrants in five years' time.  

The findings are based on a survey by the Academic Engineers and Architects in Finland TEK and the Union of Professional Engineers in Finland. More than 1,000 people participated in the survey. The Survey for international experts in Finland 2024 asked foreign tech experts for their views on issues such as Finland's immigration policy, their own career opportunities in Finland and discrimination. The majority of respondents work in Finland at least in an expert capacity with a permanent job and have lived here for several years. Most of the respondents have a relationship or family in Finland, and 85% would like to stay in Finland permanently or for a longer period.

"The situation is unsustainable. Finland is driving out the very people who are creating future economic growth here. It’s pointless for decision-makers to make fine speeches if the international experts living here see the reality as so chilling," says Juhani Nokela, TEK’s Director of Public Affairs.

"There is serious competition for experts in the labour market. You can't take part in it by eyeing foreigners suspiciously from your cabin. The ability to attract and recruit international experts is key," says Maria Jauhiainen, lawyer for the Union of Professional Engineers in Finland.

Over 40% have experienced discrimination in recruitment

Respondents were asked whether they had experienced discrimination in recruitment situations. 41% of men and 43% of women said they had experienced discrimination. Reasons given included a lack of Finnish language skills and the fact that the Finnish labour market doesn’t value qualifications or work experience acquired outside Finland. Experts from Africa and Asia had experienced the most discrimination.

Foreign experts have a rather poor understanding of workers' rights. Only around twenty percent of respondents considered their level of knowledge to be very good or good. Of the respondents, 23% had been unemployed in the last year and a half.

"A lack of knowledge makes you more vulnerable to exploitation and increases the risk of a bad working life experience in Finland. An understanding of the rules of Finnish working life is important for the functioning of the labour market," reminds Juhani Nokela.

Once they have a job, many foreigners find their situation easier. 64% said they are always or often treated equally at work compared to native Finns. More than half said that their situation at work is stable. 67% of respondents felt they had integrated very well or well into Finnish society, with the majority feeling that their current job was a good match for their skills and was suitable for their career development. 

According to Nokela from TEK and Jauhiainen from the Union of Professional Engineers in Finland, quick solutions are now needed to ease the situations of foreign-born experts.

"A good command of English should be enough to get started on finding a job. Employers must offer Finnish language teaching, which is the best way to integrate into Finland. The use of anonymous recruitment would also certainly reduce unconscious discrimination," says Nokela from TEK.

"Attitudes need to change. All companies and branches of government need to take a look at what they’re doing and figure out what the barriers are to recruiting international experts. Relaxing language requirements and better acceptance of diversity are key ways to do this," explains Jauhiainen.