European Country Proposes Work Permit Changes to Protect Foreign Workers

Finland's government has introduced proposed changes to the country's residence permit rules, aimed at safeguarding foreign workers from exploitation. The bill was submitted to Parliament on November 5 and is set to come into effect in March 2027. If enacted, the Finnish Immigration Service will be empowered to more readily revoke residence permits belonging to employers accused of exploiting workers.

This restriction would apply for a defined period. Furthermore, authorities will deny residence permits to employers who charge workers a fee to enter an employment arrangement.

Employment Minister Matias Marttinen emphasized that employers and companies utilizing labor must bear greater accountability. He also called upon employers to acknowledge the perils associated with employing recruitment agencies. The government has already intensified penalties for work-related exploitation and now seeks more stringent sanctions for employers who violate residence permit regulations.

The proposal encompasses technical adjustments to the Seasonal Workers Act, following an infringement procedure initiated by the European Commission. A public consultation took place from July 2 to August 27, 2026.

This bill is a component of Finland's strategy to combat labor exploitation. Previous steps have enhanced the status of wild berry pickers and broadened multilingual information regarding workers' rights through diverse channels. Finland has also established ethical recruitment practices with its international recruitment partners.