Finland was ranked the world’s happiest country by the UN for the fourth consecutive year. The country, however, faces a demographic dilemma—about 39 per cent of its shrinking workforce is over 65. And as per UN projections, Finland's “old-age dependency ratio” will cross 47 per cent by 2030.
"It's now widely acknowledged that we need a spectacular number of people to come to the country," recruiter Saku Tihverainen from agency Talented Solutions told AFP.
Finland secured its recognition as the world’s happiest country based on international surveys, where citizens are quizzed on their perceived happiness. The country also scores high on quality of life, freedom and gender equality, lack of crime and pollution. However, Finland is also known for its high cost of living, cold and dark winters and notoriously difficult language. Anti-immigrant sentiment is also known to be prevalent, with several foreigners complaining of a general reluctance to recognize overseas qualifications and prejudice against non-Finnish applicants.
In a bid to tackle the problem, the Finnish government came up with its ‘Talent Boost’ program four years ago. The program aims in attracting international talent to Finland and increase the country’s awareness and recognition globally.
The ‘Talent Boost’ programme seeks health workers from Spain, metalworkers from Slovakia, and IT and maritime experts from Russia, India and Southeast Asia.
“The Talent Boost program will stimulate debate on the openness of the Finnish labour market. Workplace attitudes, discrimination and a lack of diversity affect the willingness of international specialists to stay and find employment in Finland, and they also affect the general attractiveness of Finland in their eyes,” the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment's website reads.
