In a memorable year Due to geopolitical conflicts and economic uncertainty, Finland’s migration situation in 2023 has left traces of international conflicts and economic trends. While the country remained a haven for people fleeing Russia’s war against Ukraine, applications for residence permits from students and their families soared. Despite the global economic downturn, Finland’s labor market remained a strong driver, with immigration levels reaching record highs.
Iruka Hartella, the Director of the Finnish Immigration Agency, underlined the resilience of labor migration to Finland, stating: “Despite the economic downturn affecting labor migration to Finland, the number remains at a record high.” It’s on par,” he said. This trend highlights Finland’s attractive labor market and the important role of immigration in addressing the country’s workforce needs.
The war in Ukraine resulted in a significant, albeit reduced, influx of Ukrainians seeking temporary protection in Finland. Finland’s immigration authorities granted temporary protection to nearly 19,000 people in 2023, down from more than 45,000 the previous year. The change reflects a gradual decline in applications as the conflict continues, but the Finnish government has extended the validity period of temporary protective residence permits until March 2025 and will Shows continued support for others.
Labor migration continues to be active, with Filipinos, Russians, Indians, and Chinese nationals leading the way in applications for work-based residence permits. The fields of health and social care in particular have seen a record number of positive decisions, highlighting the significant demand for international talent in these fields.
Interest in the academic field has also increased, with a notable increase in applications for research residence permits, especially from Asian countries. The Finnish Immigration Service expects this trend to continue, reflecting Finland’s growing attractiveness as an international education destination.
The number of family-based immigration applications has reached new highs, largely due to work- and education-based immigration dynamics. This pattern highlights the interconnected nature of different migration routes and their collective impact on Finland’s demographic dynamics.
EU nationals and their registration applications remain important, with the majority citing employment as the main reason for moving to Finland. This trend highlights cross-border mobility within the EU and the role of the Finnish labor market in attracting European talent.
The year also saw a significant increase in applications for Finnish citizenship, with more than 13,000 new citizens becoming Finnish citizens. The increase in citizenship applications, particularly from Russia, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia, reflects the diverse backgrounds of people seeking permanent residence in Finland.
In summary, Finland’s immigration numbers in 2023 demonstrate the country’s role as a stable and welcoming destination amidst global challenges. The Finnish Immigration Service’s adaptability to extend support to those affected by the Ukraine war, combined with its continued focus on Finland’s labor and education sectors, has led to a commitment to inclusiveness and support in the face of the evolving international situation. It highlights the country’s continued commitment to diversity.
HT