Finland to process work-based residence permit in 14 days

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment on Monday announced a number of measures, including issuance of work-based residence permit within 14 days with the view to promoting work-based immigration and attracting specialised skilled workers to Finland.

Employment Minister Tuula Haatainen announced the measures from a press conference where she disclosed about a pilot project for fast-tracking the residence permit process for start-up entrepreneurs.

The minister also criticised the negative attitudes of the employers towards the people from immigrant background.

She pointed out that names of people with immigrant background get fewer calls for job interviews despite having the same educational background and experiences to other applicants.

“At the same time, the attitudes of Finnish society make it more difficult for the people who have already moved to the country to find employment,” said Haatainen.

She said promoting the receptivity of working life should primarily be the responsibility of organisations, not the individuals subscribing to racism and discrimination.

“The smooth permit processes is Finland’s business card for experts and companies using work-related immigration. When dealing with the authorities is uncomplicated, it creates a positive first impression. …The fast procedure will be piloted in 2021,” said the minister.

She also mentioned a few existing red-tapism in this regard.

The government is committed to ensure that the average processing time for work and education-based residence permits will be 30 days.

The ministry will bring proposal for necessary amendments to the law in this year.

“The quick process of work- and education-based residence permit will promote Finland’s opportunity in global competition for specialists, as well as the internationalisation of business and innovation activities and attracting investment to Finland,” added Haatainen.

In addition to making the process of processing all the residence permits faster, the government will create a new fast lane for foreign specialists, startup entrepreneurs, and their family members and in the fast track decision on an electronic residence permit application will be ready within 14 days.

The ministry also disclosed its two recruitment pilot projects to attract specialists and startup entrepreneurs to Finland from Silicon Valley in the United States and New Delhi in India.