Finland clearly needs to be more ambitious when it come to education and work-related migration. We need a wide range of expert workers for different industries so that the welfare commitments already made can be implemented and the public finances can be balanced.
The campaign, which starts this week, shows existing benefits of work-related migration, the need for ambitious education and work-related immigration policies, and the need to welcome those who move here.
The Attitude Change social campaign is done by 25 organizations, gathered in a community at the Shortcut’s initiative. It includes labor unions, listed companies, growth companies, universities, startup associations, and business organizations.
Why is Suomen Ekonomit involved in the campaign?
- We advocate for sustainable working life and economic growth. They are important both from a human perspective for individuals and for the Finnish economy and well-being.
- The Finnish working-age population is decreasing. We need work-related migration to maintain tax revenues so that public services do not wither.
- Productivity growth is linked to innovations and their implementation. According to an ETLA report, the share of foreign inventors in Finnish patent applications is increasing – already 60% have foreigners as part of them.
- When considering Finland’s attraction and retention factors, it is noteworthy that most of OECD countries are going through similar demographic changes as Finland. Competition for global labour is intensifying. Finland must do better.
- It is important that Finns have sufficient understanding of the impact of work-related migration on the Finnish economy, competitiveness and, ultimately, on each person’s own financial position.
What concrete actions are we doing to promote work-related migration?
- We produce research data, communicate and advocate, for example, by talking to the media and decision-makers.
- In collaboration with TEK, we compiled a pamphlet in which we gave the platform to fourteen immigrants who had moved to Finland to tell their stories and, based on those, we presented policy recommendations. The pamphlet was distributed to all members of parliament.
- We create new solutions to existing problems. Together with TEK, we proposed the creation of a new permanent residency route to Finland based on the Canadian model to attract skilled workers.
Read the press release: a direct route for international skilled workers
Multi-channel, multi-perspective
In the Attitude Change campaign, we will highlight the benefits of work-related migration to Finns through a marketing campaign, expert articles and social media. We will also debunk myths about immigration and enable the voices of people who have moved here to be heard.
The campaign content will be published on various channels during the spring, summer and autumn. Check out the campaign website at: http://maanpuolustaja.com/
Additional information
