A fresh research brief released by the City of Helsinki on 12 November finds that 62 percent of unemployed foreign-born residents in the capital region blame limited Finnish language skills for their difficulty in securing work, despite many holding higher-education credentials. The findings were broadcast the same evening by Yle’s Selkouutiset news bulletin, sparking renewed debate about integration policy and corporate recruitment practices.
The study, based on a sample of 2 300 jobseekers, reveals that networking deficits rank second—54 percent said not knowing native Finns hampers access to vacancies that are often filled through informal channels. Notably, women reported a bigger impact from language shortcomings than men, suggesting that gender-specific support may be needed.
![New Helsinki study highlights language barrier as top obstacle to immigrant employment]()
Helsinki Deputy Mayor for Employment Nasima Razmyar called the results “a wake-up call,” pledging to expand subsidised language-plus-internship packages that combine Finnish courses with paid work placements in city agencies and partner companies. Employers such as Kone and OP Financial Group said they would pilot ‘Finnish-at-work’ coaching modules to retain international hires.
For mobility practitioners, the data underscore the importance of budgeting for extended language training and mentoring when relocating staff to Finland. The research also bolsters arguments for easing language thresholds in certain residence-permit categories, an issue now in sharp focus as Parliament debates permanent-residence reform.
The report will feed into the city’s next Integration Action Plan (2026-29), to be published in February, providing a framework for additional EU and national funding applications aimed at boosting immigrant employment rates above the current 68 percent.
The study, based on a sample of 2 300 jobseekers, reveals that networking deficits rank second—54 percent said not knowing native Finns hampers access to vacancies that are often filled through informal channels. Notably, women reported a bigger impact from language shortcomings than men, suggesting that gender-specific support may be needed.
Helsinki Deputy Mayor for Employment Nasima Razmyar called the results “a wake-up call,” pledging to expand subsidised language-plus-internship packages that combine Finnish courses with paid work placements in city agencies and partner companies. Employers such as Kone and OP Financial Group said they would pilot ‘Finnish-at-work’ coaching modules to retain international hires.
For mobility practitioners, the data underscore the importance of budgeting for extended language training and mentoring when relocating staff to Finland. The research also bolsters arguments for easing language thresholds in certain residence-permit categories, an issue now in sharp focus as Parliament debates permanent-residence reform.
The report will feed into the city’s next Integration Action Plan (2026-29), to be published in February, providing a framework for additional EU and national funding applications aimed at boosting immigrant employment rates above the current 68 percent.
