Insider Spotlight
Bondata, Silkkitie, Amiko, and Barona are participating in Friendship Week to provide clear guidance on living and working in the Nordic country while reinforcing fair hiring standards.
Why it matters
Finland is bracing for a massive workforce turnover, with close to half its workers expected to retire by 2040. To meet industry demand, the country will need 1.37 million new workers, particularly in social and health services, business, sales, and industrial sectors, the group said in a press release.
The Philippines, with its young labor force, is seen as a key partner in filling these gaps.
During the visit, which kicked off on Dec. 2, the Finnish delegation will meet with the Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, International Organization for Migration, and licensed private recruitment agencies to align on ethical recruitment, migrant support programs, and safe hiring channels.
Job fair details
A job fair at Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall will offer openings in services, hospitality, welding, and Computer Numerical Control machinist roles.
Registration via the DMW Job Fair Portal is required to enter. Adding a cultural flourish, Santa Claus will make an appearance at the Mega Fashion Hall for families accompanying job seekers.
What they're saying
“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,” she added.
“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,” she added.
The bigger picture
Finland emphasizes equal pay from day one under its collective agreement–based labor system, ensuring international professionals receive the same starting salaries as Finnish workers.
Workers also obtain residence permits rather than visas, granting access to public services and integration into local communities.
“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.
Finnish authorities also reiterated strict enforcement of the country’s no-placement-fee policy, underscoring their commitment to worker protection. —Ramon C. Nocon | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
