During the global pandemic, Helsinki Business Hub, the international trade and investment promotion agency of Finland launched a campaign to attract foreign top professionals to work for 90 days remotely, as freelancer, an entrepreneur, or investor located in Helsinki. A catchy slogan and an all-round package attracted over five thousand applicants during the application period in December 2020. A relatively stable pandemic situation and lack of formal restrictions in Finland boosted the interest among applicants.
Fifteen lucky people fulfilling “tight criteria” will soon arrive in Finland exempting the border rules. Business-oriented Americans were in focus but amounted only to one third. Details of other applicants’ demographics have not been disclosed yet. Remote workers dominated the statistics. Direct applicants for jobs in Helsinki were only recorded for “future
work opportunities”.
Those admitted will enjoy an exclusive service package covering any bureaucracy connected to relocating (visa, registration, permissions, housing, work facilities, childcare, or schooling), consulting, and networking – yes, even socializing! Almost all the pitfalls of regular immigration to Finland magically wiped away! In return, Finland expects a promotion of a
favorable, but delusional, image of immigration, business, or employment as a foreigner in Finland.
BBC reported on the campaign: “Finland’s radical plan to lure global talent.”
Why is it unrealistic and unfair?