Finland’s immigration debate is heating up, with the Swedish People’s Party (SFP) and the True Finns (Sannf) proposing a points-based system similar to Canada’s, aimed at streamlining labour immigration and, in the case of the True Finns, potentially extending to refugees as well.
Canada’s Points-Based Immigration: A Model to Emulate
Christoffer Ingo, a Member of Parliament (MP) from the SFP, recently lauded Canada’s points system, which has long been celebrated for its efficiency in managing labour immigration. Under the Canadian system, potential immigrants are awarded points based on factors that could influence their integration into Canadian society. These include age, language skills, education level, and regional ties. The higher the score, the easier it is for an individual to secure a residence permit.
Ingo believes that Finland could benefit from adopting a similar approach. “The advantage of the Canadian model is that it helps identify the specific labour needs in different regions, sectors, and language groups,” he said, adding that the transparency of the system also offers clarity for immigrants about what they need to do to qualify.
While the Canadian points system rewards applicants for being young, highly educated, and language-proficient, Ingo suggests that Finland could ease some of the entry requirements to accommodate the needs of its growing business sector. “We shouldn’t be too picky,” he noted. “Our economy needs competence, even if applicants don’t meet all the criteria.”
A Strategy for Economic Growth, Not Immigration Reduction
The points-based system, in the eyes of the SFP, represents a way to attract more skilled labour to Finland. Ingo emphasizes that it’s not about rejecting those who don’t score highly but ensuring that Finland is prepared to welcome individuals who can contribute to the workforce and integrate well into society.
However, the True Finns see it as a way to both attract skilled labour and possibly limit immigration, particularly in humanitarian cases. Mauri Peltokangas, chair of the True Finns’ management committee, echoed Ingo’s endorsement of the Canadian model. “With this system, we can attract people who can contribute meaningfully to the economy,” he said. “It’s a win-win.”
Peltokangas envisions adapting Canada’s criteria to the Finnish context, where proficiency in Finnish and Swedish would replace the requirement for English or French language skills. For him, the key to successful integration lies in education and language acquisition. He added, “If you compare someone who lacks education and doesn’t speak the language to someone with a degree who’s already studied Finnish or Swedish, it’s clear who will need more support.”
Should the Points System Apply to Refugees?
While the SFP’s focus is on labour immigration, the True Finns have pushed for a broader application of the points system, potentially extending it to refugees. Peltokangas suggests that a points-based system could help Finland select refugees who have a higher likelihood of integrating into Finnish society. “There are billions of people around the world who need help,” he said. “If Finland accepts a small fraction of them, it makes sense to choose those who are better equipped to adapt.”
For Peltokangas, the idea isn’t about denying humanitarian aid, but rather ensuring that those who arrive have a higher chance of success in integrating into Finland’s social and economic fabric. “Helping people who are already somewhat familiar with the language and culture makes their integration smoother,” he explained.
A Possible Bureaucratic Hurdle?
While both the SFP and True Finns are enthusiastic about a points-based immigration system, the question remains: could such a system complicate Finland’s already complex immigration processes?
Ingo believes that the Canadian model’s flexibility could help Finland adapt to changing labour market needs. He envisions the points system as an update to the current “means test,” which limits labour immigration when qualified workers are already available in Finland. According to Ingo, the points system could replace the means test, offering a more streamlined and transparent approach to immigration.
However, critics of the system might argue that assigning points to immigrants—especially refugees—could create unnecessary bureaucracy and incentivize the exclusion of individuals who may not meet certain criteria but still need refuge. Ingo stresses, though, that humanitarian immigration should remain separate from labour immigration, where a points system could play a role.
Will Finland Adopt a Points System?
While both political parties agree that Finland could benefit from a points-based immigration system, the debate continues as to whether such a system should be extended to humanitarian migrants. What is clear, however, is that the conversation is gaining momentum. Finland’s immigration policy could soon see a major overhaul, with policymakers eyeing Canada’s successful model as a potential framework.
As the discussion unfolds, the question remains: will Finland embrace a points system for all immigrants, or will it reserve it solely for labour migration? For now, this remains a topic of heated debate among political leaders and immigration experts alike.
What do you think about using a points system to determine who gets to move to a country? Should it apply to both labour immigrants and refugees? Share your thoughts in the comments below.