International professionals graduating from universities of applied sciences are being placed in an unequal position under the reform of the Aliens Act.
A recent draft by the Ministry of the Interior proposes the possibility of obtaining a permanent residence permit for those who have completed a higher education degree or a bachelor’s degree at a university in Finland. However, this possibility has not been extended to graduates of universities of applied sciences, putting them in a disadvantaged position and diminishing the appeal of a university of applied sciences degree in the eyes of international students. Graduates of universities of applied sciences would, in practice, always be required to reside in Finland for four years with a temporary residence permit and to meet a sufficient salary threshold to obtain a permanent residence permit.
“Approximately two-thirds of international students who graduate from universities of applied sciences stay in Finland to work or continue their studies. These students graduate into fields that face the most severe labor shortages in Finland. It is not in Finland’s best interest to make it more difficult for higher education graduates to stay and find employment in the country,” the organizations state.
The organizations demand that the proposal be amended. A permanent residence permit should also be available after completing a university of applied sciences degree if the individual has sufficient proficiency in Finnish or Swedish. This would ensure that all higher education graduates have equal opportunities to integrate into Finnish society.
The proposal contradicts the goals set for higher education institutions
Policymakers and ministries have directed universities of applied sciences to significantly increase education-based immigration and to help address Finland’s acute skills shortage. A key objective has also been that 75% of international graduates should find employment in Finland after graduation. Universities of applied sciences have responded by increasing the number of international students and enhancing measures to support their employment. However, the proposed legislation contradicts these higher education policy objectives.
“The government’s proposal weakens the attractiveness of universities of applied sciences for international students. It also hinders their ability to meet the targets set for promoting education-based immigration. Moreover, the proposal does not provide any justification for why graduates of universities of applied sciences have been excluded from the scope of the law,” the organizations express their concerns.
Organizations supporting the statement:
Akava ry – Confederation of Unions for Professional and Managerial Staff in Finland
Ammattikorkeakoulujen rehtorineuvosto Arene ry – Rectors’ Conference of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences
Ammattiliitto Pro – Trade Union Pro
Elinkeinoelämän keskusliitto EK – Confederation of Finnish Industries EK
Insinööriliitto – Union of Professional Engineers in Finland
Keskuskauppakamari – Finland Chamber of Commerce
Opetusalan Ammattijärjestö OAJ – Trade Union of Education in Finland
Sivistysala ry – Finnish Education Employers
STTK – The Finnish Confederation of Professionals STTK
Suomen Yrittäjät – Federation of Finnish Enterprises
Suomen opiskelijakuntien liitto – SAMOK – National Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences – SAMOK
Teknologiateollisuus ry – Technology Industries in Finland
Tradenomit – Professionals of Business and Technology
Further information:
Roosa Veijola
Expert on European Policy and International Affairs
+358 50 389 1012
[email protected]