Labour Migration Management in Finland & some figures

Olli Sorainen

3.6.2014

Background and responsabilities

In 2008 (when establishing the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, MEE) the immigration affairs from the former Ministry of Labour were moved to the Ministry of the Interior

In 2012 the integration affairs were moved to the MEE Ministry of the Interior is now in charge of the overall

immigration policy and development of migration legislation

MEE is responsible for the integration and international recruitment issues and is guiding the work of the regional ELY centres and local TE offices

Labour migration policy in Finland in the 21th century

Until the beginning of the year 2000 no clear immigration guidelines The ageing of the population, the internationalisation of the Finnish

economic life gave background for a more open and active immigration policy

The main aim of the first government immigration policy programme (10/2006) was to promote the labour migration to Finland

The central definition of policy included the promotion of systematic, long term immigration, making the Finnish pull factors known abroad – as well as the possibilities to work, carry on business and study in Finland

Two nationwide ESF programmes were carried out: ALPO & MATTO

The recession postponed active recruitment and several proposals of the programme

Future of Migration 2020 Strategy

The aim of the Future Strategy of Migration 2020, released this year is to pave the way for a more active and forward-looking migration policy in Finland

MEE has significant role especially regarding development of international recruitment and provision of information

Foreigners in Finland in 2012 and 2013

Largest groups by native language 1993, 2003 and 2013

Change in the population by native language 1990-2013

Source: Statistics Finland

Foreign job-seekers and jobless job-seekers in 2009-2013, annual average

Source: MEE, Employment statistics