Finland wants Filipino workers

Four Finnish recruitment companies (Bondata, Silkkitie, Amiko and Barona) are visiting the Philippines as part of the Friendship Week program to provide Filipino professionals with clear information on what it is like to live and work in Finland and promote ethical and transparent recruitment.

The visit aims to strengthen ties between the two countries. During the week, the Finnish delegation will meet with the Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, International Organization for Migration, and other reliable private recruitment agencies to discuss fair hiring practices, migrant worker support programs, and safe recruitment channels, ensuring Filipino professionals have reliable pathways to work in Finland.

 To provide direct access to these opportunities, a job fair will be held at Megatrade Hall on the fifth level of SM Megamall. Openings include roles in services and hospitality, as well as industrial positions such as welders and Computer Numerical Control machinists.

 Adding a festive touch to the event, Santa Claus will appear at the ground level, Mega Fashion Hall, reflecting Finland’s heritage as the official home of Santa Claus. Families of job seekers may visit Santa Claus before proceeding to the job-fair venue.

Registration is required to enter the job fair: https://jobfairportal.dmw.gov.ph.

“Our goal is to help companies in Finland as well as individual talents from abroad find a perfect match and support them both,” said Elina Santalahti, EVP global talent solutions at Barona.

“Barona, being one of the biggest employers in Finland, has already been recruiting global talents and Filipinos for more than 15 years. We have strong expertise in this field, and our operations lie strongly on ethical and sustainable practices.”

 Finland is preparing for major workforce turnover, with close to half of its workers set to retire by 2040. The largest gaps are anticipated in social and health services, as well as in business, sales and industrial roles.

To fill these gaps and meet growing industry demand, Finland will need 1.37 million new workers by 2040. The Philippines, with its young and strong talent pipeline, is well-positioned to help fill this demand. 

 “Our focus is on creating stable, lasting employment. We specialize in long-term positions and provide extensive support to employees throughout their journey,” said Rebekka Kiljunen, partnership director at Bondata.

“Bondata is committed to offering a reliable, safe, and people-centered pathway for professionals from the Philippines and around the world to build a meaningful career and life in Finland.”

 Finland’s collective agreement-based labor system guarantees consistent and fair working conditions for all employees. International professionals receive the same starting salary as Finnish workers in equivalent roles, with pay progression determined strictly by experience. Equal pay principles apply from day one.

 “Finland upholds fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity in its labor market. We want Filipino professionals to have accurate information so they can make informed decisions about building stable, long-term careers in Finland,” said Joonas Halla, business development manager of Work in Finland. 

“The Filipino workers moving to Finland will receive a residence permit, not just a visa. This gives them the same rights and responsibilities as Finnish residents, allowing them to access public services and fully integrate into local communities.”

 Finnish authorities reiterated that the country follows a strict no-placement-fee policy, prohibiting recruitment agencies from charging applicants any fees. Violations of this rule are considered serious offenses and run counter to Finland’s laws on worker protection.