Finland Times

The waiting period for access to employment has been set because it is believed to reduce the number of future asylum seekers to Finland.

The immigration policy ministerial group considered waiving the waiting period last winter.

“The waiver was considered in order to save money, so that asylum seekers could seek out their own livelihoods. However, the waiting period was not waived as it was suspected that it would increase the number of asylum seekers,” said Olli Sorainen of the Ministry of Employment and the Economy.

The waiting period was originally set in 2004. Before that, paid employment always required a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour.

Sorainen also pointed out that an asylum applicant must not act as an entrepreneur in Finland. However, for example, selling berries that one picked is permitted.

If anyone picks berries for one’s own and sells them, it is not considered a paid employment.