Finland’s 2025 Migration Report Shows Drop in Inflows but Work-Based Immigration Rebounds in Early 2026
Visa Bottlenecks for Thai Seasonal Workers Threaten Finland’s 2026 Berry Harvest
‘Northern Star’ Drill Brings 9,000 NATO Troops to Finland’s Border as Drone Threat Grows
Latest News
Finland moves to extend Border Security Act, keeping land frontier with Russia closed
Helsinki has begun work on another extension of the Border Security Act, which lets authorities refuse asylum applications at the eastern frontier. All land crossings with Russia have been closed since December 2023 and will now remain shut for the foreseeable future, forcing travellers and goods to re-route via airports and ports. The move cements Finland’s hard-line stance on instrumentalised migration and has significant cost and scheduling implications for firms with operations in Russia or the wider Baltic region.
Helsinki drafts overhaul of start-up residence permit to cut red tape
A draft bill released on 27 May would merge Finland’s two-step start-up visa into a single application handled by the Immigration Service, eliminating the separate Business Finland evaluation. The change aims to deter low-quality filings, cut processing times and reduce costs for genuine founders, with implementation targeted for early 2028. Companies and advisers should prepare for new documentation rules and potential fast-track options.
Four-hour strike at Helsinki Airport forces Finnair to cancel 110 flights
A four-hour strike by ground staff at Helsinki-Vantaa on 27 May forced Finnair to scrap 110 flights, disrupting 8,000 passengers and threatening further walk-outs on 2 and 4 June. The action heightens operational risk for companies relying on Finland’s main hub during the busy summer season and underscores continuing labour tensions at the carrier.