A new fast track service for high-skilled workers whose work requires expert knowledge was launched by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) on Wednesday (1 June).
The new fast-track procedure allows people to enter Finland as soon as they have been granted a residence permit, which, unlike before, the person will receive upon entering the country. Those interested must fill in an application for a fee, prove their identity at a service point abroad, and have their fingerprints taken within five working days.
The reform aims to limit processing time to two weeks at most and allows a quick move for family members. It comes in response to calls from start-ups and IT companies, particularly the booming gaming industry, which have long complained about stiff bureaucracy and long-winded processes.
Russia’s war in Ukraine has also resulted in some foreigners being more cautious about moving or staying in Finland.
The reform will be broadened “by the end of this government’s term” to include “everyone who moves to Finland on the basis of work and education” to ensure maximum processing times are one month at most, Employment Minister Tuula Haatainen from the Social Democratic party told broadcaster YLE in a comment.
The Technology Industries of Finland, a lobbying group, welcomed the reform as a first step in the right direction but described it as “marginal”.
The new fast-track system is mainly a signal to the business community that the issue will be taken seriously, the group’s expert, Milka Kortet, has said.
SOURCE: Euractive
