Finland, like many other nations, faces a dual challenge when it comes to immigration: balancing humanitarian concerns related to asylum seekers and addressing the country’s need for a skilled and diverse workforce. The nature of political discourse around these two topics, asylum seeking and the demand for labor, reflects distinct approaches. In this blog, we will explore the differences between politics surrounding asylum seeking and the workforce need in Finland, shedding light on the complexities and nuances of these critical issues. Why are the asylum seekers not answer to our need of workforce?
The political landscape concerning asylum seeking in Finland is shaped by several factors, such as international obligations, human rights considerations, and public sentiment. When it comes to asylum seekers, politicians and policymakers confront a delicate balance between fulfilling humanitarian responsibilities and addressing potential socioeconomic challenges.
Finnish politics on asylum seeking often emphasizes the country’s commitment to humanitarian values, including providing protection to people fleeing persecution, conflict, or human rights abuses. Policies are designed to ensure fair and thorough asylum processes, enabling individuals to seek safety and refuge within the country’s borders. Unfortunately, our acts could never be enough to solve all the problems in countries people want to leave. Our capacity to cover the cost of this kind of humanity is not enough. This does not mean that we would not like to help people in general. We must be able to control our borders and even build a wall. As an independent nation we have the right to decide who, what kind of and how many people we want to let in to live in our country.
However, politics surrounding asylum seeking also reflects the concerns and opinions of the public. Ensuring successful integration of asylum seekers into Finnish society, including language training, cultural integration, and access to employment opportunities, is crucial to garnering public support. The approach to integration and support programs varies among political parties, reflecting differing opinions on the pace and extent of social integration. We should create a system that could more effectively find a way to utilize asylum seekers’ skills. We also should be able to decline immigration of people that are not willing to work or are committing crime. Meanwhile we should find motivated workforce for our shortage of labor by selecting the right ones from countries of origin.
Contrasting the human rights approach, the politics of workforce need in Finland focuses primarily on economic considerations and maintaining labor market viability. Recognizing the demographic challenges of an aging population and declining birth rates, politicians strive to bridge the labor gap with skilled and motivated workers, both from within the country and abroad.
Policies driven by the workforce need highlight the importance of attracting foreign talent and expertise in sectors experiencing shortages. Finnish labor market needs drive discussions on immigration policies that facilitate the recruitment of skilled workers, often through streamlined visa processes and initiative-taking integration initiatives. We should think from which countries the needed talent could be found for each job. We should think how the selection process should be implemented. We should think how to prevent the wrong selections. And yes, this is recruitment process as it should be.
Moreover, Finland understands the significance of investing in education and training, both for its domestic population and newcomers, to meet specific labor market needs. Politics regarding workforce development emphasize providing opportunities for retraining and upskilling to ensure that the labor force continues to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.
The difference between politics surrounding asylum seeking and the workforce need in Finland stems from the distinct perspectives that shape these debates. The former focuses on securing human rights and providing safety to those seeking refuge, while the latter centers around economic considerations and maintaining a skilled workforce. Nonetheless, both areas require a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities posed by immigration, driven by empathy, strategic foresight, and a commitment to inclusive policies.
Recognizing the delicate balance between these two aspects, Finnish policymakers aim to establish a cohesive and sustainable approach that respects human rights, addresses labor demands, and fosters social cohesion. By bridging these two political arenas effectively, Finland aims to create a harmonious society that benefits from both humanitarianism and economic prosperity.