Finland Now Allows Foreign Berry Pickers to Apply for Work Permits

The Finnish government has formally decided to impose more stringent controls against foreign wild berry pickers entering the country, following months of uncertainty.

The Finnish government has implemented new regulations that require foreign workers to apply for a seasonal work visa in order to enter the country in an effort to stop their exploitation.

A seasonal work permit, which comprises a seasonal work visa, work certificate, or seasonal work residency permit, is required of foreign berry pickers as of February 18.

Furthermore, an employment contract is necessary for a seasonal work permit for this kind of job, therefore foreign workers engaged in berry picking must obtain one and agree on terms of employment, including working hours and pay.

Permits for Foreign Berry Pickers Will Be Granted Depending on the Length of Their Employment Contract

The kind of permission required of foreign workers in this agricultural sector may vary depending on the length of their contract.

If their country of origin does not have a visa liberalization agreement with Finland, individuals who travel to Finland for a stay of less than three months must apply for a seasonal work visa. Thai berry pickers, who are among the most frequent visitors to Finland for this reason and require a Schengen visa to enter the nation, may find this restriction to be simply applicable.

People who have a job contract and are traveling from a nation that does not require a visa must apply for a seasonal work certificate. The necessity to apply for a seasonal work certificate does not apply to their counterparts from a visa-free nation who do not have employment contracts.

In order to work in Finland for more than three months, foreign nationals must apply for a seasonal work residency visa, the duration of which is based on the nature of the job relationship.

The worker’s application will be subject to an availability evaluation if they intend to engage in the berry-picking activity within six to nine months. Depending on a number of variables, the Finnish Immigration Service will make a decision about this application.

In addition to national initiatives to tighten regulations for foreigners seeking residency permits, the new regulations are the outcome of the Finnish government’s efforts to combat human trafficking.