European Country Proposes Work Permit Changes to Protect Foreign Workers

Finland's administration has proposed changes to residence permit rules to strengthen action against employers who exploit foreign workers.

Key points

• The proposal additionally includes technical changes to the Seasonal Workers Act after an infringement procedure introduced by the European Commission.
• Under the proposal, the Finnish Immigration Service could more easily block residence permits linked to an employer suspected of exploitation.
• Employment Minister Matias Marttinen remarked employers and businesses using supplied labor must take greater responsibility.
• The administration submitted the bill to Parliament on November 5.
• Authorities would additionally refuse a residence permit if an employer charged a worker a fee to enter an employment relationship.

For context, the administration submitted the bill to Parliament on November 5. The proposed amendments are due to take effect in March 2027. Finland Becomes First Country to Open Permanent Nuclear Repository.

Under the proposal, the Finnish Immigration Service could more easily block residence permits linked to an employer suspected of exploitation. The restriction would apply for a set period.

Authorities would additionally refuse a residence permit if an employer charged a worker a fee to enter an employment relationship. Meanwhile, the bill would clarify the conditions for granting residence permits to exploitation victims.

Employment Minister Matias Marttinen remarked employers and businesses using supplied labor must take greater responsibility. He additionally called on employers to recognize the risks of using recruitment agencies.

Marttinen remarked the administration had already tightened penalties for work-related exploitation. It now wants stronger sanctions against employers who breach residence permit rules. Ireland Adds 6 New Professions to Critical Skills Work Permit List.

Meanwhile, the proposal additionally includes technical changes to the Seasonal Workers Act after an infringement procedure introduced by the European Commission. A public consultation ran from July 2 to August 27, 2026.

Notably, the bill forms part of Finland's action plan against labor exploitation. Earlier measures improved wild berry pickers' status and expanded multilingual information regarding workers' rights through different channels. Finland has additionally developed ethical recruitment practices with its international recruitment partner countries. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest international news and global stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover. Follow on Google News Join WhatsApp. See more ProPakistani stories in Google Search and Top Stories.

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