The border advisory service in Finland has seen a significant increase in inquiries as more Finnish citizens seek employment in neighboring countries due to a weaker job market at home.
The demand for the border advisory service, which assists Finnish citizens looking for work in Sweden and Norway, has surged by 35% in the past year compared to the previous one. This uptick is highlighted by the interest from Finnish healthcare workers in neighboring country job markets, indicating a shift in employment strategies among Finns as they seek better opportunities abroad. Experts attribute this growing trend to the poorer employment situation in Finland compared to its neighbors.
Elina Keloneva, an EURES expert from the Meri-Lappi employment services in Tornio, noted that an increasing number of inquiries reflects the struggles of the domestic job market. This interest aligns with a broader trend where Finns are actively looking beyond their borders for employment options, perhaps seeking to secure a more stable future amidst economic uncertainties at home. The Tornio office coordinator, Riikka Juntti, further reinforces the idea that enhanced information dissemination efforts have also contributed to this increase, as their staffing has grown in response to rising demands.
The free advisory service offered at the border not only aids individuals in their job searches but also provides support to companies navigating cross-border employment trends. As inquiries continue to rise, it underscores a growing acknowledgment among Finnish citizens of the opportunities available in the labor markets of Sweden and Norway, reflecting a shift in the regional employment landscape and the proactive steps taken by the advisory service to accommodate this trend.
