Immigration to Finland : Solution to the labour problem?

Abstract

Demographic changes occurring in the Finnish labour market is not really new news to Finnish people anymore. There have been lots of researches made over the past years and decades. Based on many of these researches a wide understanding has been that Finland needs sustainable reformation in the Finnish labour market. The unemployment rate has been high for rather long now and there are no quick solutions at side. People are aging and we have increasing shortage of labour force now and in the future. At the same time,Finland’s economy is struggling and we have little possibilities to compete in the global markets at the moment. The topic is very current in Finland at the moment and the country needs quick solutions and an action plan to resuscitate the labour market. Finland’s unique history compared to many other European countries creates its own challenges and features to the immigration policy. The common believe in the minds of many Finnish natives is still that we need to protect our country, culture and the rare language from immigrants. People are experiencing immigration as national threat and not a possibility to strengthen the countries capabilities to better succeed in the global market. Politicians and media are having a field day regarding immigration issues and take little responsibility of the message they are giving through the mainstream media.

The purpose of this research is to investigate all elements and components regarding immigration and to find out based on the results if it is reasonable to believe that immigration can offer a solution to the challenges facing the labour market and simultaneously bring characteristics in order for Finland to compete in the global market.