The Confederation of Unions for Professional and Managerial Staff in Finland, Akava, proposed last week the so-called “Akava Model”. Under this model, a faster route to permanent residence would be introduced, utilizing a scoring system that assesses competence and the potential of integration. It includes added flexibility in acquiring permanent residence also for those already in Finland, as well as permanent residence as a first permit for certain experts on arrival.
This model would supplement the current immigration system, in which work-based immigration is largely employer driven. Akava emphasizes that this current system leads to short-sighted planning, with immigrated experts only brought in when demand is high. A scoring-based route to permanent residence would help in securing Finland’s long-term competence and growth. TEK fully agrees with the need for such a model.
“The need for the innovation that skilled, international talent brings is only growing,” states Juhani Nokela, TEK’s Head of Public Affairs. “When the employment situation is poor, as it has been recently, Finland’s ability to create a sustainable skilled workforce is heavily weakened. That only creates a worse growth situation in the future.”
Akava emphasizes however that this model is beneficial to not just the state, but also to international experts and employers. In particular, the role that permanent residence would play in providing psychological safety is clear.
“Receiving permanent residence is perhaps the most important difference maker in the lives of an international expert,” Owain Hopeaketo, TEK’s Project Manager, International Experts says, referencing also his own experiences since moving to Finland. “With safety comes the ability to plan and to take risks, as well as the incentive to integrate because you know you aren’t going to be kicked out.”
The model also references that more is needed than simply this new permanent residence pathway. In particular, better integration support and language learning opportunities are needed, and more work is needed to match the skills of international experts to working life opportunities.
“As Akava say, this isn’t a topic that can be solved by just one new immigration pathway,” Owain Hopeaketo concludes. “It needs changes in both actions and attitudes at all levels of Finland, right from how individuals are interacting with those non-native here, to the language the state is using and the policies they are implementing.”